Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’

Description

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ is a striking perennial that features sword-like, mid-green leaves and beautiful spikes of golden-yellow flowers, which open from gold and purple buds. This plant reaches a height of 80cm with a spread of 50cm and blooms from June to August. Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. Hardy and easy to care for, it adds vibrant colour and texture to any garden, making it a perfect choice for adding long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ is in the spring, when the soil has warmed up, allowing the roots to establish well before the blooming season begins. This ensures a vibrant display of golden-yellow flowers.
• Autumn: You can also plant Crocosmia in early autumn. Planting in autumn gives the plant time to settle before the colder months and encourages strong growth for the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flower production and overall health, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
• Soil: This Crocosmia variety needs moist but well-drained soil to grow successfully. Ensure that the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, as Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ does not tolerate soggy conditions. Adding organic compost to the soil will improve drainage and fertility, ensuring healthy growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’. This gives the roots plenty of space to spread out.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in organic matter or compost to the soil to boost fertility and drainage. Nutrient-rich soil will support the Crocosmia’s growth, helping it to develop strong, healthy flowers.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots and encourages the plant to establish itself.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Crocosmia is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Be cautious not to overwater, as Crocosmia does not like waterlogged soil.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ needs minimal moisture when not actively growing.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to help your Crocosmia establish healthy growth. A spring feed will promote vigorous new growth and support an impressive flower display.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help encourage continuous blooming, ensuring that your Crocosmia ‘Columbus’ remains vibrant and strong throughout the growing season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from your Crocosmia. Deadheading will prolong the blooming period, keep the plant tidy, and encourage more blooms to form.
• Autumn Pruning: After the flowering season, cut back the plant to ground level once the flowers have faded. This will prepare Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ for winter dormancy and promote healthy growth in the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Crocosmia to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature during warmer months. Use organic materials such as compost or bark chips for the best results.
• Winter: During winter, mulch can help protect the roots from extreme cold and prevent frost heaving. This extra layer ensures the plant survives winter and thrives in the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Although Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ has relatively sturdy stems, staking may be required if the plant is in a particularly windy spot. Staking can prevent any potential damage from strong winds.

Final Tips

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Columbus’ is a stunning and low-maintenance perennial, making it a perfect addition to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil, and following a simple care routine, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful golden-yellow flowers from June to August. With minimal effort, this Crocosmia will add a vibrant burst of colour to your outdoor space.

RHS Details

See more Crocosmia from Proctors