Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’

Description

Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ is a stunning perennial that adds a burst of sunny yellow to any garden with its arching, branched spikes of outward-facing flowers. With its upright growth and hardy nature, this vibrant plant thrives in the right conditions and provides a spectacular display from late summer. Here’s how to plant and care for Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ to ensure it flourishes in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ is in early spring, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system before the summer blooms.
• Autumn: If you prefer, you can plant Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ in the autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in before the cooler months, resulting in better growth come spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage strong growth and prolific flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’. It doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions, so ensure the planting area drains well to avoid root rot. Adding organic matter like compost will enhance the soil structure and ensure better drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’. This ensures the roots have plenty of space to establish and spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix some compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which will encourage 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 with soil, firming it down to remove air pockets and provide stability for the plant.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the area drains well to avoid standing water, which could harm the plant.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering. Water only when the soil is excessively dry, as the plant requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ a healthy start to the growing season. This will promote strong new growth and more vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain flowering and ensure the plant stays vigorous throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and prolong the flowering period. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages better growth.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms fade in autumn, cut back Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ to ground level. This prepares the plant for dormancy and ensures a healthy start to the next growing season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ in spring to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like compost or bark chips work well.
• Winter: In colder months, add a thicker layer of mulch to protect the roots from frost damage. This will help prevent frost heaving and keep the plant’s roots healthy through the winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ has sturdy stems, but in particularly windy locations or if the plant becomes top-heavy, you may want to stake it to prevent breakage and ensure the flowers stay upright.

Final Tips

Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. By planting it in the right conditions and following this care guide, you’ll enjoy vibrant yellow blooms in late summer, adding a splash of sunshine to your garden. With minimal care, Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’ will become a stunning feature of your outdoor space.

RHS Details

See more Crocosmia from Proctors