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Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’
£6.45
A clump-forming, cormous perennial with upright, lance-shaped, bright green leaves. Arching stems bearing racemes of funnel-shaped sunny-yellow flowers with bright-red central markings in July and August. Height 75cm. Spread 20cm. Full sun/part shade. Moist, well-drained soil. Hardy.
Description
Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ is a stunning perennial known for its bright sunny-yellow flowers with bold red markings, adding a burst of colour to your garden. This clump-forming plant produces arching stems that reach about 75cm in height and is perfect for planting in borders or containers. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ thrives in your garden and produces vibrant blooms each summer.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The best time to plant Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ is in the spring, once the soil has warmed up. Planting in the spring allows the roots to establish before the growing season, promoting strong growth and vibrant blooms.
- Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ in early autumn. This allows the plant to settle in before dormancy, which helps it come back even stronger in the following spring.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Crocosmia thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best results, choose a location where the plant will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will encourage optimal growth and vibrant flower production.
- Soil: Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Crocosmia prefers moist, well-drained soil. Enhance the soil by incorporating organic material such as compost to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball to give the roots plenty of room to spread.
- Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ thrives in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
- Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it down gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish. Be sure that the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Once established, Crocosmia is moderately drought-tolerant. Water it during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering as excessive moisture can cause root problems.
- Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. The plant needs very little moisture when not actively growing, so water only if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
- Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give your Crocosmia a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy new growth and ensure beautiful blooms.
- Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can help encourage continued flowering, ensuring that Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ maintains its vigour throughout the blooming period.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy and encourage more blooms. Deadheading also prolongs the flowering period.
- Autumn Pruning: After flowering, cut back the plant to ground level in autumn. This helps prepare the plant for dormancy and promotes strong growth in the following year.
Mulching
- Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ in spring. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature as the plant begins to grow.
- Winter: In winter, mulching will protect the roots from frost and help prevent frost heaving. This will ensure that your plant survives the colder months and is ready to grow again in spring.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ has sturdy stems but may benefit from staking in windy areas or when the plant is in full bloom. Staking helps prevent damage to the plant and keeps the flowers upright for maximum visual impact.
Final Tips
Crocosmia Firestars ‘Hot Spot’ is a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial that adds a bold splash of yellow and red to your garden. By following these planting and care instructions—choosing a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil, watering appropriately, and providing regular feeding and pruning—you’ll ensure that your Crocosmia flourishes year after year. This striking plant will reward you with a stunning display of flowers throughout the summer, bringing vibrancy and beauty to your outdoor space!
Additional information
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