Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’

Description

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’ is a striking, clump-forming perennial with sword-like green leaves and elegant, arching stems. From July to September, it produces large, star-shaped, bright orange flowers with a paler orange center, creating a dazzling display in garden borders. Reaching a height of 80cm and a spread of 50cm, this hardy plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Ideal for adding late-season colour, ‘Star of East’ attracts pollinators and makes an excellent cut flower.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the corms to establish before the blooming season, ensuring strong growth and vibrant flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn gives the plant time to settle before dormancy, leading to better performance the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Crocosmia thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’. Avoid waterlogged conditions by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and soil structure.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole 8–10 cm deep and space corms 10–15 cm apart to allow for natural clump formation.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to promote vigorous root development and healthy blooms.
3. Planting: Place the corms with the pointed end facing up and cover with soil, firming gently to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Crocosmia is relatively drought-tolerant. Water deeply during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent rot. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage lush growth and prolific flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding mid-season can promote extended blooming and overall plant health.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the foliage dies back in late autumn, cut it down to ground level to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’ to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: A thicker layer of mulch helps protect the corms from cold temperatures, ensuring healthy regrowth in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’ has sturdy stems but may benefit from light support in exposed areas or particularly windy locations.

Final Tips

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Star of East’ is a low-maintenance perennial that brings stunning colour to any garden. With its large star-shaped orange flowers, this variety is perfect for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. By providing full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular care, Crocosmia will reward you with a spectacular display from mid-summer to early autumn. Incorporate this vibrant plant into your garden for a long-lasting burst of colour and elegance.

RHS Details

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