Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'George Davison')

Overview

The Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ brings vibrant, late-summer color to the garden with its luminous, apricot to golden-yellow, tubular flowers. This cormous herbaceous perennial, commonly known as Montbretia, forms upright clumps of attractive sword-like foliage, providing excellent structure throughout the season. As an interspecific hybrid, this selection is valued for its reliable performance and striking floral display that actively attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Gardeners appreciate Montbretia for its ability to thrive in sunny borders and its excellent performance as a fresh cut flower, lending vivid color to any arrangement. While relatively easy to manage, achieving success with Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ requires attentive spring planting and proper winter protection in colder zones.

This cultivar offers a significant visual impact, blooming heavily from June through August, ensuring a steady source of interest when many earlier spring flowers have faded. Growing reliably between 1.5 and 2.5 feet tall, the placement of this Crocosmia cultivar is straightforward in mixed perennial beds.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Iridaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2.5 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Plant the corms of Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ in the spring, ensuring this occurs after the danger of the last frost has passed. Proper placement involves medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. While these plants tolerate some drought once established, they perform best with consistent moisture.

For optimal growth, plant the corms approximately 3–4 inches deep and space them about 6 inches apart. In regions experiencing cooler summers, full sun is ideal for this Montbretia. However, in very hot summer climates, providing some protection from the intense part afternoon sun can prevent scorching and improve appearance.

Maintenance is medium; focus mainly on ensuring good drainage. In USDA Zone 5, winter hardiness can be unpredictable. Gardeners in these cooler areas should site the plants near structures like a south-facing house wall or ensure a heavy layer of winter mulch is applied for insulation.

If lifting corms for winter storage is preferred—a great option for maximum survival—do so in the fall after dormancy begins. Dry them fully and store them indoors in a cool, frost-free, dry medium until ready for planting the following spring.

Landscape Uses

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ excels when planted in masses or groupings within traditional perennial borders, providing vertical accents and bold color. The upright, sword-like foliage offers necessary contrast alongside softer, mounding perennials. Because the blooms are held on sturdy stalks, this cultivar works exceptionally well when used toward the middle or back of a border display.

Furthermore, Montbretia is highly adaptable to container gardening. Growing these bulbs in pots simplifies the process of winterizing them, as the entire container can be moved to a protected, cooler location before the first hard freeze hits. This makes utilizing the beautiful blooms of Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ accessible even in slightly colder microclimates.

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Crocosmia is a genus of about 7 species of cormous plants originating from South African grasslands, and Montbretias are frequently used as high-quality fresh cut flowers globally. The genus name references saffron (krokos) and smell (osme) due to the scent of dried flowers steeped in warm water. The specific cultivar ‘George Davison’ produces luminous, apricot to golden-yellow, tubular flowers above upright foliage, attracting numerous pollinators during its mid-to-late summer bloom period.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Spider mites pose the most significant threat to the foliage of Montbretia, and unchecked infestations can seriously diminish the plant’s overall flowering capabilities. A quick inspection of the undersides of the leaves can catch early signs of pest activity. Regular rinsing with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap can manage populations effectively.

Winter hardiness remains a concern, particularly for gardeners operating near the lower limit of the recommended zones (USDA Zone 5). Ensure excellent winter drainage, as wet, cold soil is more damaging than the cold itself. For fragile plantings, focus on strategic selection of planting sites that offer natural warmth and wind protection.

Wildlife Benefits

The striking, nectar-rich flowers of Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ are a magnet for local wildlife. Gardeners focused on supporting biodiversity will find this plant rewarding due to its high attractiveness to both hummingbirds and butterflies during the long mid to late summer blooming season. Including this Montbretia selection encourages beneficial insect traffic in your perennial beds.

Companion Planting

Successful companion planting for Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ involves pairing it with plants that share similar sun and moisture requirements while offering textural or height diversity. Consider neighbors that bloom earlier or later to extend the visual interest of the area. Good companions include Shasta Daisies, Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), or Salvias, which appreciate full sun and medium moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Montbretia suitable for?

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though extra winter protection is advised in Zone 5.

How large does Montbretia grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2.5 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 2.5 feet at maturity.

What sun exposure does Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ need?

This perennial performs best in locations receiving full sun, though it can tolerate mild part shade, especially in very hot summer afternoons.

When does Montbretia bloom?

The bloom time for Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ is typically from June to August, featuring attractive yellow flowers.

Conclusion

The vivid yellow blooms and upright architecture make Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’ an indispensable splash of summer color in mixed plantings. This reliable Montbretia selection offers excellent value as a striking perennial feature and a superb cut flower. Before planting, confirm that your site falls within USDA Zones 5-9 and ensure well-draining soil conditions for the best results.