Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’
£6.45
A clump forming cormous perennial with upright, lance shaped, bright green leaves. From midsummer to mid autumn, arching stems bearing racemes of funnel shaped orange-yellow flowers with orange markings down the centre of each petal. Height 60cm. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Description
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ is a stunning perennial that adds vibrant colour to any garden with its fiery orange-red flowers. This vigorous, clump-forming plant features sword-like green leaves and tall flower spikes that bloom from June to August. Growing to a height of 70cm and spreading to 40cm, ‘Fire Jumper’ thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The optimal time to plant Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ is during the spring when the soil begins to warm up. This allows the roots to settle before the blooming season starts, ensuring the plant establishes strong growth for vibrant flowers.
- Autumn: Alternatively, Crocosmia can be planted in early autumn. Planting in autumn gives the plant time to settle before the cold weather sets in, helping to establish roots that will flourish in the spring.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Crocosmia grows best in full sun or partial shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to encourage optimal flowering and strong growth.
- Soil: For best results, choose well-drained soil for planting Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’. The plant does not thrive in waterlogged conditions, so it’s essential to ensure good drainage. Enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility and promote healthy root development.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’. This ensures enough space for the roots to spread and establish themselves.
- Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve both its fertility and drainage. Crocosmia thrives in rich, well-drained soil, so proper soil preparation is crucial for healthy growth.
- Planting: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring the top of the root is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently to remove any air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help the plant establish itself. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Once established, Crocosmia is relatively drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water the plant to keep the soil moist, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering as the plant does not tolerate soggy soil.
- Dormant Season: During the dormant period, reduce watering significantly. Only water Crocosmia if the soil becomes very dry, as the plant requires minimal moisture during its rest phase.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ a strong start to the growing season. This will support the plant’s initial growth and encourage a display of vibrant flowers.
- Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help continue the blooming process and keep Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ vigorous throughout the flowering season.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period and keep the plant tidy. Deadheading will also encourage further blooms, ensuring a longer-lasting display.
- Autumn Pruning: After the flowers have faded in autumn, cut back the foliage to ground level. This prepares your Crocosmia for the winter months and encourages fresh growth in the next season.
Mulching
- Spring: Mulch around the base of Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost work best as mulch.
- Winter: In winter, applying mulch helps protect the plant’s roots from cold temperatures and frost, preventing damage and ensuring the plant’s survival through the colder months.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ typically has sturdy stems, but in windy conditions, it may benefit from staking. Providing support will prevent any damage or toppling during strong winds.
Final Tips
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Fire Jumper’ is a stunning, low-maintenance perennial that will bring striking colour to your garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade and ensuring the soil is well-drained, your Crocosmia will reward you with vibrant blooms from June to August. With minimal care, this hardy plant is a perfect addition to any garden, adding beauty and charm throughout the season.
See more Crocosmia from Proctors
Additional information
Pot Size | |
---|---|
Plant Botanical Type | Perennial (herbaceous) |
Flower Colour | Orange, Yellow |
Leaf Colour | Green |
Varigated Leaf | No |
Scent | Yes |
Height | 0.6m |
Spread | 0.3m |
Blooms/foliage interest in | Summer |
Evergreen | No |
Hardiness | mild winter to – 5C |
Container | Borders and Containers |
Sun/shade | Prefers full sun |
Soil Type | Loam (normal) |
Soil PH | Neutral |
Drainage | Well drained soil |
Hazerdous | No |
Insect Attraction | Bees |
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