Crocosmia aurea Montbretia (Iridaceae)

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Crocosmia aurea
Montbretia
(1 Page of 5)

The Crocosmia aurea plant species is found in S. Africa. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Montbretia. Some home gardeners know the variety as Tritonia aurea

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Crocosmia aurea
Common Name:  Montbretia
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  (Hook.)Planch.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Shady forest areas in moist country, 2000 - 2500 metres from East Cape province and north to Mozambique, Malawi etc[79]. Especially common in conifer plantations[90].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold greenhouse[1]. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 9 weeks at 20 - 25°c[164]. Stored seed can be sown in early spring in a greenhouse[164]. Sow the seed thinly so that the plants can be grown on undisturbed in their pot for the first year, but give the seedlings an occasional liquid feed to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. Once the plants are dormant in the autumn, pot up the bulbs putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for another year or two in the greenhouse before planting them out when they are dormant in the autumn. Division in spring as new growth commences[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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