Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Montbretia
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a fiery and vibrant perennial known for its striking crimson-red blooms. Standing tall with graceful arching stems, it adds a bold splash of colour to any garden. This easy-to-grow plant attracts butterflies, making it a delightful choice for summer floral displays.
Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is out of stock
Want to be notified when this product is back in stock?
These images are for illustration purposes only. Plants are delivered in nursery pots and other individual features may not be present due to seasonality.
Plant Biography
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a spectacular hybrid between Crocosmia masoniorum and Crocosmia paniculata raised by Alan Bloom in Norfolk, combining the best qualities of each parent. Pleated erect fans of bright green sword-like leaves are topped by drooping heads of the brightest vermillion red with individual flowers cheekily holding themselves above the horizontal.
The upright habit gives a wonderful contrast with most foliage and, when combined with other primary colours, few garden plants are quite as eye catching: many red cultivars have been bred but none have bettered ‘Lucifer’ for sheer in-your-face exuberance.
Care & Size Guidance
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost to improve drainage. Choose a well-draining location with full to partial sunlight. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Plant the corms (bulb-like structures) in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant corms about 3-4 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after the blooming period and allow the foliage to die back naturally.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilize once or twice during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Expert Tip
Pruning and overwintering
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from diverting energy to seed production. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This provides energy to the corms for next year’s growth.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is generally hardy in the UK. In colder zones, it may benefit from a layer of mulch or straw to protect the corms from harsh winter conditions. If you’re concerned about extreme cold, you can dig up the corms after the foliage has died back and store them in a cool, dry place over the winter, then replant in the spring.
Remember that local climate conditions can influence specific care requirements, so it’s a good idea to observe your plants and adjust your care routine as needed.
My plant arrived today wrapped in a plastic white bag, covered with a layer of corrugated cardboard to protect it. My plant was in a 2L pot but no follage as the corms are in the soil. I’ll plant it within the next few days and nuture it until it blossoms. As im a newbie to this plant and excited for it to grow.
Julie Brace (verified owner) –