Crocosmia Varieties – Viet Nam Agriculture

Crocosmia are showy, exotic flowers native to southern Africa; they are commonly known as falling stars and coppertips. They belong to the same botanical family as irises, Iridaceae, and are prized not only for their clusters of brightly colored blossoms, but also for their attractiveness to hummingbirds and bumblebees. Washington State University’s Clark County Extension reports that there are more than 400 cultivars of crocosmia, only a few of which are invasive.

Montbretia is one of the most popular crocosmia hybrids, created from Crocosmia aurea with C. pottsii. They are aggressive spreaders and can be invasive in some areas; check with your agricultural extension office for information on your area. This robust and adaptable hybrid includes a number of cultivars, including the popular, deep-red "Lucifer." Others include "Citronella" or "Golden Fleece," "Carmine Brilliant," "Emily McKenzie," "Mistral" and "Jackanapes." Montbretia are so popular and varied that the word "Montbretia" is sometimes used as a synonym for crocosmias in general.

Crocosmia masoniorum is a vigorous species that, like some Montbretia hybrids, spreads readily and comes in a variety of warm colors, from yellow through brick-red. Cultivars of masoniorum include "Jupiter," "Firebird," "Golden Swan" and "Rowallane Yellow." The cultivar "Marcotijn" can become invasive.

Crocosmia pottsii can be distinguished from cultivars of C. masoniorum by their smooth leaves; masoniorium varieties have ribbed or pleated leaves. Cultivars of C. pottsi tend toward redder colors and include "Culzean Pink," "Red King" and "Red Star."

C. aurea and C. paniculata are the two least-known of the four chief species of crocosmia, though they are widely used to hybridize other cultivars, including Montbretia. C. paniculata tend to be among the tallest crocosmias.