Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’

Description

Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ is a stunning, hardy perennial with bright, orange-yellow funnel-shaped flowers striped with red. To ensure this plant thrives and dazzles in your garden, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ in spring when the soil begins to warm. This will allow the roots to establish themselves, ensuring robust growth and vibrant flowers during the blooming season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ in early autumn. This will give the plant time to settle into the soil before dormancy, allowing it to grow strongly the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage vibrant flowering.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is moist and well-drained for Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’. The plant prefers soil that doesn’t become waterlogged, so good drainage is essential. Enhance the soil’s fertility by incorporating compost or organic matter.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’. This provides plenty of room for the roots to spread and grow comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic material into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Thoroughly water Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ after planting. This helps to settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish quickly. Be sure that the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Crocosmia is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided, as excess moisture can cause root rot.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes overly dry, as Crocosmia requires minimal moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ a strong start to the growing season. This encourages healthy growth and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: Consider feeding Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ lightly in mid-summer to promote continued blooming and maintain plant health throughout the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. This will also prolong the flowering period of Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final flowers fade, cut back to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and supports healthier growth in the next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base of Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ in the spring. This helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature, promoting healthy growth.
• Winter: In the winter, add a layer of mulch to protect the roots of your Crocosmia from frost. This will prevent frost heaving and ensure the plant survives the colder months.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ generally has sturdy stems, so staking is not often required. However, in windy areas, consider staking the plant to prevent any damage and support its upright growth.

Final Tips

Crocosmia Firestars ‘Scorchio’ is an easy-to-care-for perennial that adds a splash of vibrant color to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, moist soil, and following the care instructions outlined here, this Crocosmia will reward you with stunning blooms from late summer through early autumn. Perfect for adding a bold, fiery touch to your outdoor space, this plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast looking to enhance their landscape with brilliant colours!

RHS Details

See more Crocosmia from Proctors