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Crocosmia Lucifer
BenDover
Posts: 488
Plants have flowered and the season is already over for my Crocosmia Lucifer. The last of the flowers went two weeks ago. Leaves have already started to yellow off. Can I cut back to ground level now, or should I wait 'for the goodness to go back into the bulb (corm!)' as they say. Don't want to go into that August, everything is starting to look a bit tired and over look.
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I think I'd just remove the flowering stems for now Tim.
Perhaps you need to look at having something which can take over from it at this time of year and hide the fading foliage. Tricky though - you don't want the Lucifer to be hidden while it's in full flow either! It's a striking plant.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Love it when I get responses advocating two different things. OK - going to experiment. Will cut back half of them to ground level and leave other half to die down naturally, and see if it makes any difference next year [to self - remember to note which ones you cut down first!!]. And Fairygirl, thanks for your suggestion. I did plant a load of Heleniums this year in and around the Crocosmia to do as you say, but unfortunately, the slugs finished them off within a week of planting them. Oh well, try again with that one next year!
Thank Verdun - as I said, the leaves have already started to yellow off. It kind of happens like that every year. By September they are completely brown. Not much a nice foliage plant I'm afraid. And for some reason, my Crocosmia are always 2/3 weeks ahead of everyone else I know who has them. They start growing in February and peak at the end of June. I wonder if my garden has a bit of warmer microclimate (small suburban on a modern development) hence why they kick off and end so early.
That's often the way Tim. Opposite way round up here - July is when they're at their peak
Maybe a little look around for some complimentary planting then? That will give you some succession and take your eye away from the fading Crocosmia. Doesn't have to be in front of it either - you can have a nice display in a different area of the garden.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
why don't you plant Emily mackensie late flowering crocosmias they are slightly smaller but will keep your garden looking good for longer.
also my tip regarding crocosmias is to use tall supports they look far better and will hold together longer lester.
Mine haven't flowered at all. Thinking I might dig them up and pot them. Keep them over winter then plant them out next year. Worth a punt I reckon.
I cut the foliage half way back when flowering has finished, leaving the sturdier lower section.
Lucifer will be finished in a few days and Emily McKenzie is just opening.
From what I have seen here the Red Lucifer comes into flower before the more orange flowered Crocosmia/Monbretia variety.