Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie')
Vibrant Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' (Montbretia) offers stunning coral-orange blooms from June to August. An easy-to-grow bulb for borders.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’, commonly known as Montbretia, injects significant vertical interest and brilliant color into the late-summer garden. This cormous perennial is celebrated for its upright habit and dramatic flowers, making it a staple for adding contrast to traditional borders. It thrives when given ample warmth and sun, rewarding the gardener with rich coral-orange blooms accented by red and yellow details.
As a member of the Iridaceae family, this specific cultivar of Montbretia produces flowers held on gently arching stalks above sword-like foliage. Gardeners value Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ for its reliable performance in a garden setting, provided it receives the correct cultural attention regarding drainage and zone hardiness. Clumps establish well, creating dense pockets of vibrant color when other early-summer flowers begin to fade.
Whether used as a backdrop element or massed for maximum impact, the structural form of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ provides excellent texture throughout the season. These robust bulbs are also frequently harvested for use as fresh cut flowers, bringing their striking coloration indoors to commercial arrangements.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Iridaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Coral-orange with red and yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Montbretia corms is best accomplished in the spring, only after the danger of the last frost has passed in your region. Ensure your planting site offers medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ prefers full sun for the best flowering, though a bit of afternoon shade is appreciated in extremely hot summer climates, preventing stress to the foliage. Space the corms approximately 6 inches apart and plant them deeply, about 3 to 4 inches below the soil surface.
Watering requirements are medium; aim for consistently moist soil, particularly during active growth and flowering periods, but never allow the area to become waterlogged, as this invites rot. This medium maintenance plant generally requires minimal fuss outside of ensuring adequate water. Divide established clumps every few years if they become overcrowded or flowering diminishes.
For gardeners situated near the colder edge of USDA Zone 5, providing winter protection is critical for ensuring the survival of the corms. Apply a thick layer of protective winter mulch after the ground freezes. Alternatively, a cautious approach involves digging up the corms in the fall—much like you would with gladiolus—and curing and storing them dry in a frost-free location until spring planting resumes.
Landscape Uses
Montbretia excels when planted in groups, where its strong vertical lines and brilliant coloration can truly shine. The recommendation is to group at least 12 corms together to achieve a substantial visual impact in the perennial border, offering excellent color and contrast against softer foliage plants. Their upright structure makes Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ ideal for the middle or back of a sunny border, acting as a transitional element between shorter perennials and tall grasses or shrubs.
These bulbs also adapt well to more confined spaces. If winter lifting proves cumbersome in consistently cold zones, growing Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ in containers provides an easy solution where the entire pot can be moved to a sheltered, dry spot for overwintering. Combine with late-summer bloomers like Rudbeckia or ornamental grasses to create a dynamic tapestry of texture and color that lasts well into autumn.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crocosmia is a genus of about 7 species of cormous plants originating from South African grasslands, and they are frequently utilized as excellent fresh cut flowers in commercial arrangements. The genus name references the saffron-like scent of the dried flowers steeped in water. ‘Emily McKenzie’ specifically showcases an upright habit, displaying coral-orange blooms marked with red and yellow hues on arching stalks above their distinctive narrow, sword-like leaves.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Spider mites constitute a significant pest threat to the foliage of Montbretia; if infestations become severe, they can seriously impair the plant’s ability to flower normally throughout the season. Regularly inspect the undersides of the narrow leaves and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or a miticide if pests are observed. Additionally, be aware that rabbits may find the leaves palatable, leading to foliage damage that stunts the growth of the Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Montbretia suitable for?
Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. Gardeners in Zone 5 should take extra precautions like mulching heavily or lifting the corms for winter storage.
How large does Montbretia grow?
This upright selection typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall, spreading to occupy a space of 1 to 2 feet wide when planted in established clumps.
When does Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ bloom?
You can expect prolonged mid-summer color, with the bloom time for Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ running from June through August, featuring signature coral-orange flowers.
What sun exposure does Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ need?
This plant thrives best in full sun, which encourages the most prolific flowering. However, it tolerates light or partial shade, especially welcome during the intense heat of mid-summer.
Conclusion
For reliable, statuesque color that carries the garden narrative from mid-summer onward, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is an outstanding choice for nearly any sunny border. Its attractive coral-orange blooms make this Montbretia a gardener favorite for both fresh arrangements and dynamic landscape compositions. Before planting, confirm that your site offers excellent drainage and check your specific hardiness zone rating to determine winter protection needs for your corms.
Companion Planting
When planning the placement of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’, consider utilizing companion plants that appreciate similar cultural needs—namely, full sun and well-drained soil. Plants with contrasting textures, such as ornamental grasses (e.g., $Calamagrostis or Pennisetum), pair beautifully with the linear foliage and vertical flower spikes. For harmonious color, try combining this vivid Montbretia with late-season purple bloomers like Russian Sage (Perovskia) or deep blue catmint varieties (Nepeta) to create complementary visual depth.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation is key for successful Montbretia growth. Once the threat of frost has passed, this is the time to plant corms 3-4 inches deep. During the main growing season (late spring through summer), maintain a medium watering schedule, ensuring consistency during dry spells to support the dramatic flowering period of Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’. In the fall, allow the foliage to die back naturally or cut it back after it yellows; in cold zones, plan for corm removal before the first hard freeze or apply substantial winter mulch protection immediately after the ground firms up.
