Montbretia (Crocosmia 'Gold Rush')
Vibrant Crocosmia 'Gold Rush' (Montbretia) offers showy orange summer blooms. Ideal for borders in zones 6-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’, commonly known as Montbretia, excels in adding vertical structure and late-summer fiery color to the garden. This cormous perennial provides striking orange blooms held above neat, sword-like foliage, making it a valuable asset when many spring flowers have faded. Gardeners appreciate the long vase life of its blossoms, frequently utilized in commercial flower arrangements.
As a member of the Iridaceae family, the growth habit of Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ is reliable, reaching heights up to 3 feet. They thrive best when situated where they receive ample sunlight, though they can tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates. Their robust color display and attraction to hummingbirds ensure this Montbretia variety enhances both visual appeal and local wildlife activity.
Planting Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ corms creates instant impact, particularly when clustered together for mass effect. While relatively robust, understanding their specific needs regarding moisture and winter protection ensures spectacular performance year after year with only medium maintenance.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Iridaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2.5-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
To establish Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’, plant the corms in spring once the danger of hard frost has passed. Choose a location featuring moderately fertile, well-drained soil. These plants require medium moisture consistently, so avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, especially during peak summer blooming periods.
Plant the corms approximately 3 to 4 inches deep and space them 6 inches apart from one another. While Montbretia tolerates full sun, offering some afternoon shade may benefit the plants in extremely hot regions, preventing potential scorching or premature fading of the vibrant orange flowers.
For gardeners located near the cooler edge of zones 6, providing extra protection is crucial. A substantial layer of winter mulch applied after the ground freezes can significantly aid survival. Alternatively, if you seek absolute assurance against cold snaps, you can carefully lift the corms in the fall, dry them, and store them over winter indoors in a dry medium, much like tending to gladiolus corms.
Landscape Uses
Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ is exceptionally effective when used as a vertical accent or textural element within mixed perennial borders. For maximum visual impact, effective design dictates planting them in significant drifts or clumps of 12 or more specimens. This mass planting strategy transforms the arching stems of Montbretia into a dependable wall of warm, late-season color.
Because the foliage is narrow and sword-like, Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ contrasts beautifully with plants featuring broader leaves or different flower shapes. They perform well alongside later-blooming hostas or dark-leaved dahlias. Furthermore, the practicality of this bulb extends to container gardening, which simplifies the task of lifting and storing the corms over winter for gardeners in borderline hardiness zones.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crocosmia is a genus of about 7 species of cormous plants from grasslands in South Africa. ‘Gold Rush’ features orange blooms held on gently arching flowering stalks above narrow, sword-like foliage from mid to late summer. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and have a long vase-life for fresh cut arrangements.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Spider mites are a primary concern for Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ foliage; heavy infestations can severely weaken the plant and reduce its subsequent flowering performance. Monitor leaf undersides regularly, particularly during dry, hot spells, and treat promptly with horticultural oil or strong streams of water if pests are detected. Rabbits have also been known to browse on the foliage, which can impede the development needed for robust blooming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Montbretia suitable for?
Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ is generally hardy and thrives when planted in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ grow?
Mature clumps of this Montbretia variety typically reach a height between 2.5 to 3 feet, spreading to occupy an area 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Montbretia bloom?
You can expect the signature orange blooms of Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ to appear reliably from July through August.
What sun exposure does Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ need?
This bulb variety performs best in full sun but adapts well to partial shade, especially when afternoon heat is intense.
Conclusion
The architectural form and glowing orange hues of Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ make it an indispensable bulb for ending the summer display with energy. Its dual use as an excellent cut flower and its welcoming nature toward visiting hummingbirds add significant value to any planting scheme featuring this Montbretia. Before purchasing, always confirm your garden resides within USDA Zones 6 through 9 for optimal long-term success.
Companion Planting
When planning the perennial border, select companions for Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ that share similar preferences regarding sun exposure and medium moisture levels. Plants that fill in spaces during early summer before the Montbretia reaches its peak act as excellent partners. Consider pairing the upright orange spikes with late-flowering asters or the deep blue spikes of Salvia for a complementary color contrast that keeps borders dynamic well into autumn.
Wildlife Benefits
While the primary attraction of Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ is its aesthetic quality, the tubular structure of its orange blooms makes it highly appealing to specific local wildlife. Hummingbirds are frequently drawn to the nectar-rich flowers, making this an excellent choice for gardens focused on attracting these fast-moving pollinators. Planting Crocosmia ‘Gold Rush’ in groupings ensures a continuous, visible food source that encourages repeat visits throughout the peak summer months.
