Product Description
Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' (25) Bare Root Corms
Common Name: Montbretia
Developed for its exceptional seedpods in fall, this new hybrid from The Netherlands forms an upright clump of dark green, sword-like foliage topped with arching stems of 20 or more vivid red-orange blossoms with a distinctive, burgundy speckled, gold center. The flowers are spaced very close together on the stems, resulting in a more concentrated blast of color from midsummer through late summer. The decorative seed pods that develop in fall are popular in dried flower arrangements.
Crocosmia's broad, sword-like leaves are attractive even when the plants are not in bloom and, from a design standpoint, are effective for adding a spiky textured element to the landscape.
Plant Crocosmia in full sun and well-drained soil that does not become waterlogged. Its fleshy roots (corms) should be planted 2-4" deep and 6-8" apart.
Crocosmia will quickly grow and overcrowd itself, and therefore should be divided every 2-3 years. Alternatively, offsets of the original plant may be lifted and moved. In zones 1-4, corms should be lifted and stored indoors over the winter, much like cannas or dahlias. In zones 5-7, a deep winter mulch will help to protect the roots and increase the plant's chances of survival.
Height: 30.0-36.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Gold/Orange Shades, Red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Corm: A solid, underground, bulb-like portion of the stem of a plant bearing roots at the base.
Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' is a stunning perennial that produces vibrant red-orange flowers with a distinctive burgundy speckled, gold center. It is a hybrid developed in the Netherlands and prized for its exceptional seedpods that develop in the fall. This cultivar is a favorite among gardeners for its striking color, attractive foliage, and ability to attract pollinators.
Crocosmia is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family, Iridaceae. They are native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, ranging from South Africa to Sudan. The genus name comes from the Greek words krokos, meaning "saffron," and osme, meaning "odor." This refers to the saffron-like scent produced when dried Crocosmia leaves are immersed in hot water. The alternative name "montbretia" is still widely used, especially for the garden hybrid C. × crocosmiiflora.
Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' was specifically developed for its exceptional seedpods, which appear in the fall and are popular in dried flower arrangements. It forms an upright clump of dark green, sword-like foliage, typical of the Crocosmia genus. The corms form in vertical chains, with the youngest at the top and the oldest and largest buried most deeply in the soil. The flowers are closely spaced on arching stems, creating a concentrated burst of color. Each flower has prominent yellow stamens and a yellow throat with a ring of red dots. The flowers bloom from midsummer through late summer and are followed by decorative seed pods. This cultivar attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator garden.
This Crocosmia grows to a height of 0.5–1 meters with a spread of 0.1–0.5 meters.
Growing Conditions Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but not waterlogged. In colder areas, it is best to plant it in a sheltered location to protect it from cold, drying winds.
Soil Type The ideal soil for Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' is moist, humus-rich, and well-drained. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, as long as the drainage is adequate. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). To improve drainage and fertility, amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay or soggy sites, as these conditions can lead to root rot.
Sunlight Requirements Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' performs best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to help the flowers last longer.
Watering Needs Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' has average water needs. Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to corm rot.
Hardiness Zones Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Here is a breakdown of how to care for it in different zones:
- Zones 3-6: Lift the corms in the fall and store them indoors over the winter, like cannas or dahlias.
- Zones 6-7: A deep winter mulch will help protect the roots and increase the plant's chances of survival.
- Zones 8-9: No special treatment is necessary.
Landscape Uses Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' is a versatile plant that can be used in various landscape applications:
- Mass Planting: Its vibrant orange flowers create a stunning display when planted in masses.
- Rock/Alpine Gardens: It thrives in well-drained soil, making it suitable for rock gardens.
- Border Edging: Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent border edging plant.
- General Garden Use: It can be incorporated into any garden setting where it can receive adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.
- Container Planting: It can be grown in containers, adding a touch of color to patios and decks.
Pests and Diseases Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' is generally pest-resistant and deer and rabbit resistant. However, like other plants, it can experience some issues.
Spider Mites Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' can be susceptible to spider mites, especially if planted in poorly drained soil. To prevent spider mite infestations, ensure good drainage and hose down the leaves with a strong spray of water once or twice a week. Neem oil can also be used to treat spider mites.
Gladiolus Rust Another potential problem is gladiolus rust, a fungus that can cause brown or yellow spots on the leaves, corms, and flowers. A copper-based fungicide can help treat this disease.
Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' is a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial that adds a vibrant touch to any garden. Its striking orange flowers, attractive foliage, and long bloom time make it a favorite among gardeners. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that offers a long bloom time and attractive seed pods, making it a valuable addition to any garden. This cultivar is also a good choice for attracting pollinators to the garden. By following the recommended growing conditions and taking preventative measures against pests and diseases, you can ensure that your Crocosmia 'Prince of Orange' thrives for years to come. Consider adding this vibrant and versatile plant to your garden today!
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!