How to Transplant Crocosmia Lucifer

Crocosmia lucifer (Lucifer Montbretia) is a tall crocosmia that in early spring will produce bright scarlet tubes filled with sweet nectar for happy hummingbirds. Crocosmia is a prolific grower and may need to be transplanted occasionally if the plant begins to outgrow its borders. Transplant crocosmia lucifer in early spring, before new growth appears.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Rake
• Compost or decomposed manure
• Garden fork
• Shovel

1. Choose a well-drained, sunny location for the transplanted crocosmia. If the soil doesn’t drain well, improve drainage by raking 4 to 6 inches of compost or decomposed manure into the soil.
2. Dig out the crocosmia, using a garden fork. Dig 8 to 10 inches from the clump to avoid cutting into the crocosmia bulb, working around the circumference of the clump. Once the soil is completely loosened, lift the clump carefully out of the soil.
3. Separate the crocosmia if new bulbs have grown from the base of the main bulbs. You can plant or give away the smaller bulbs.
4. Put the crocosmia bulbs in the shade and keep them damp if you’re unable to plant them immediately.
5. Dig a hole in the prepared area as deep as the crocosmia’s roots and at least twice as wide. Plant the crocosmia clump in the hole, positioning the plant at the same depth it was previously planted.
6. Water the crocosmia deeply immediately after planting. Keep the crocosmia moist throughout the growing season. New growth should appear within a few weeks.