Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Emberglow')
Montbretia, Crocosmia 'Emberglow', offers striking burnt orange summer blooms and upright sword-like foliage in zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’, commonly known as Montbretia, is celebrated for injecting brilliant, fiery color into the mid-summer garden. This cormous perennial produces arching sprays of tubular, burnt orange flowers that contrast beautifully against its upright, sword-shaped foliage, which resembles that of gladiolus or iris. Gardeners value the robust vertical structure and consistent late-season performance offered by Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’.
As a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae), Montbretia thrives when given appropriate moisture and sunlight, typically reaching heights between two and three feet. While highly rewarding when established, it requires medium maintenance, especially regarding winter protection at the cooler edges of its hardiness range. The genus name itself references the saffron-like scent of its dried flowers, adding another layer of interest.
Whether used for mass planting or singular accents, the visual impact of Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ is undeniable during July and August. Its excellent qualities as a fresh cut flower also secure its place as a favorite for both ornamental displays and indoor arrangements. Ensure you site Montbretia where it receives adequate sun to maximize the intensity of its unique coloration.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Iridaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Burnt orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant the corms of Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ in the spring, subsequent to the last expected frost date. Aim for a planting depth of approximately three to four inches, spacing the individual corms around six inches apart to allow room for natural division and clumping. The soil should be moderately fertile, well-drained, and consistently hold medium moisture levels.
For optimal flowering, Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ benefits greatly from full sunlight. However, in regions experiencing intense, hot summers, providing light afternoon shade can prevent scorching and stress, though it may slightly reduce bloom intensity. Consistent watering is required, particularly as the plants establish and during peak summer heat; avoid allowing the soil to become waterlogged, which can damage the corms.
Maintenance for Montbretia is generally straightforward, earning it the medium designation. At the colder end of its hardiness spectrum (Zone 5), take preventative measures for winter survival; mulch application is recommended for protection. Alternatively, gardeners can choose to lift the corms in the late fall after foliage dies back, storing them dry over winter much like gladiolus, and replanting them the following spring.
Landscape Uses
Montbretia excels when utilized in groupings, making the most visual impact when planted in clumps of 12 or more bulbs. This mass planting technique showcases the verticality of the foliage and the fiery eruption of the burnt orange flowers, providing significant color and contrast within the general perennial border. The upright, arching habit also makes Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ an excellent choice for adding texture between shorter groundcovers or at the middle level of mixed borders.
Due to their moderate size and ease of lifting, these bulbs transition well into container gardening. Growing Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ in pots simplifies winterization, as the entire container can be moved to a sheltered location or the corms easily dug up for dry storage indoors. This versatility allows gardeners with limited in-ground space to still enjoy the dramatic summer display of Montbretia.
When designing a space, pair the hot tones of the ‘Emberglow’ variety with cooler blues, lavenders, or silvers to create dynamic visual temperature contrast in the border. They look particularly effective when mingled with late-blooming Russian Sage or ornamental grasses that share similar sun and moisture requirements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crocosmia is a genus of about 7 species of cormous plants from grasslands in South Africa. They are good fresh cut flowers which are frequently used in commercial flower arrangements. Genus name comes from the Greek words krokos meaning saffron and osme meaning a smell for the smell of dried flowers steeped in warm water. ‘Emberglow’ features sword-shaped, basal foliage (2-2.5’ tall) which resembles gladiolus or iris and nodding, tubular, somewhat star-like, burnt orange flowers (1-2”) which appear in summer above the foliage on the upper portions of arching, often-branched scapes.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Spider mites pose a significant threat to the attractive, sword-shaped foliage of the Montbretia. If left unmanaged, these pests can proliferate, leading to stippled, damaged leaves that severely impair the plant’s ability to flower normally during the season. Regular monitoring, especially during hot, dry spells, is crucial for early detection.
Rabbits have also demonstrated a fondness for grazing on the foliage of Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’. If rabbits are an issue in your garden, heavy browsing can weaken the plant significantly and interrupt the flowering cycle. Protection, such as using netting or physical barriers during the early growth stages, may be necessary to safeguard your display of Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Montbretia suitable for?
Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ is generally suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, though extra winter protection is advised in Zone 5.
How large does Montbretia grow?
At maturity, Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet, with a relatively narrow spread of 0.5 to 1 foot.
When does Montbretia bloom?
This variety produces its distinctive burnt orange blooms abundantly during the peak summer months, specifically from July to August.
What sun exposure does Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ need?
For the best results, Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ requires full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially where summer heat is intense.
Conclusion
The brilliant, almost iridescent burnt orange flowers of Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ provide essential late-season color, making Montbretia a valuable addition to summer borders and cutting gardens. Its upright form and vibrant hue ensure that this cormous plant captures attention throughout its bloom period. Before planting, confirm that your growing site falls within USDA Zones 5-9 and plan for medium moisture levels to ensure a successful season for your Montbretia.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’, consider plants that thrive in similar sun and moisture conditions while offering contrasting textures and colors. Plants with silvery or dusty foliage, such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), help frame the bright flowers of Montbretia beautifully. For a complementary cool contrast, consider pairing the hot orange with the deep blue or purple spikes of Salvia or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).
Look for plants that share the need for well-drained soil and medium water. Since the foliage of Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ emerges somewhat later in spring, you can interplant early-blooming bulbs like tulips or daffodils around the corms; by the time the early bloomers fade, the Montbretia will be sending up its striking vertical leaves.
Design Ideas
The arching flower spikes of Crocosmia lend themselves perfectly to creating movement within a layered border design. Utilize Montbretia in the middle ground, positioned behind lower mounding perennials but in front of structure plants or tall grasses. This placement emphasizes the nodding quality of the flowers and allows the eye to travel smoothly across the landscape.
For a dramatic cottage garden effect, mass the Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ against a dark green backdrop like hedges or tall evergreen shrubs; the intense orange will practically glow against the deep shadows. Do not forget their value in mixed containers; use them as a strong vertical “thriller” alongside trailing petunias (the “spiller”) and mounding begonias (the “filler”) to create instant summer drama.
