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Crocosmia from corms

Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
in Plants
I've seen a fairly good offer on crocosmia corms, however I've not grown these from scratch before, and have only had limited experience with them in the garden as overgrown clumps of the common orange one, so would like some advice before I buy anything.

I'd like to grow Crocosmia Lucifer, and it seems like it's way better value to get the corms than to shell out for potted versions.

So, my questions are - how quickly do the plants grow from corms? As in, if I planted them in Spring, will they flower this same year? If not, how many years does it take to flower from corms?

When planting the corms (straight in the border, with sticks to mark them so I remember they are there!), I'd like the effect to be clumps (clusters?)  rather than individual plants. Should I plant several corms together, and if so roughly how many, and how close together?

When they are slightly more mature, how long before the clumps would need to be divided?

I know a lot of this might be subjective as in how big a clump do I want (enough to be noticed in a mixed border, but not too much to dominate...!), but a rough sort of guideline from someone more experienced would be hugely appreciated.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They'd take a couple of years to flower. They aren't quite the same as bulbs.
    It's quicker to buy a plant and divide  when it's mature enough. Most Crocosmias are at that stage in a couple of years. 

    Lucifer makes a large plant, so one plant when mature, makes a pretty big statement  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    If it likes your conditions Lucifer grows fast. I bought one a good few years ago. When the clump got large I split it. I now have 6 very large clumps,  and sometimes find self seeded ones growing. It has quite a presence, so even with a large garden you can have too much of a good thing!
    For the last couple of years I have been splitting and throwing away surplus clumps as there is no other easy way to dispose of them. :/
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - they do seed around too, although I didn't find Lucifer a big problem when I had it. Perhaps conditions determine it a bit though - like so many plants. 
    We had a clump, in near isolation,  near the gate of the last house. It was like having a fire  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
    edited January 2022
    Thanks, both, this is really helpful. Good to know they take a couple of years to flower from corms, that means that I need to think two years ahead rather than just one!

    Also, just thinking, is it worth maybe starting them off in pots rather than straight in the border, and planting them out later? Or is that just complicating things too much?

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    If you lived nearer me you could have a big clump for nothing! Do any of your neighbours have it? You could always ask...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd certainly do them in pots first. Much easier, as you can check their growth to see how many thrive, and  it also means you don't accidentally dig them up either. Labelling would be a pain if there's a lot.  ;)
    I should have said - a couple of years is only an approximation too. A lot depends on the site, your soil and the climate.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
    Buttercupdays said:
    If you lived nearer me you could have a big clump for nothing! Do any of your neighbours have it? You could always ask...

    I would have been round like a shot! Sadly during my (very subtle) peerings into neighbours' gardens, I didn't see any......

    And @Fairygirl, pots sound like a plan, then!

    Thank you again!
  • GearóidGearóid Posts: 198
    Here's a picture from last summer of my little clump of Lucifer. I wouldn't worry about planting them in clumps, they'll quickly bulk out all by themselves! 

    I'd definitely look around your neighborhood and see if you can spot any. I imagine most gardeners would be happy to dig some up for you given how robust and spreading they are. 

    Otherwise, I think buying a couple of pots in full growth then splitting them is a cost effective idea. 

  • Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
    @Gearóid, so beautiful!
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