Walberton Yellow Crocosmia

Crocosmia is an excellent mid-summer perennial for adding color to the garden after the rest of the spring bulbs have gone dormant. Walberton has an unusual orange-yellow color that attracts not only bees and butterflies for pollination, but also hummingbirds, which cannot resist the multitude of tubular flowers that never seem to stop blooming. The sword-leaved foliage is deep green and contrasts in texture with other perennials and shrubs. Crocosmia, commonly called Montbretia, is known to be a quick spreader. Cultivars such as Walberton Yellow are bred to be less likely to invade neighboring garden areas and are not aggressive spreaders.

Walberton Yellow Crocosmia makes a lovely companion to ornamental grasses for wildlife and naturalized garden areas. It is also at home in a cottage garden with other hot-colored perennials or in a cutting garden bed. Deer and rabbits rarely browse crocosmia, and slugs and snails are not an issue. The foliage is not bothered by mildew or fungal rust and stands tall from early spring through the first frost. 

Walberton Yellow Crocosmia Care

Crocosmia can grow well in either full sun or part shade, although it will stand taller and need far less staking in full sun. Well-drained and moist soil produces the most flowering, while drier soils are acceptable, resulting in a shorter bloom period. Crocosmia does not need heavy fertilizing through the summer. Applying a balanced, all-purpose garden feed early in the spring is sufficient. Look for a formulation that has an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.  Water crocosmia well the first year to ensure successful establishment. Annual mulching with organic compost or finely shredded arborist chips will enrich the soil and help retain moisture.

Crocosmia grows from corms, like a bulb, and needs to be treated like a canna or dahlia in colder growing zones. The corms should be lifted late in the fall and put in a cool, frost-free location for the winter. They can be planted out in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. In growing zones 6-9, a 3-4-inch mulch of shredded leaves or arborist chips will be enough to insulate the roots from heavy freezes. Wait to cut back any foliage and seeds until the following spring, which will not only add protection for the corms but provide food for birds and other garden creatures. 

Walberton Yellow Crocosmia Spacing

Crocosmia will form large clumps fairly quickly and should be given plenty of room to grow undisturbed for a few years. Space each clump 18 inches apart on the center. This will allow Walberton to reach its mature size.

Walberton Yellow Crocosmia Information