Crocosmia is a volunteer in my Laguna garden, having jumped the fence from the fields on the other side. I do appreciate it for its ease and enthusiasm, and because the hummingbirds are particularly fond of the orange tubular flowers. Unfortunately it spreads like crazy and in no time at all creates a thick stand that chokes out other plants. I remove it vigorously from this spot it especially loves in with the roses and clematis, but leave it down in the more natural areas of the garden. It is unfazed by my efforts to control it and returns every year to rub leaves with the more cultured flowers, much like a horticultural bull in a china shop.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wild Crocosmia
Crocosmia is a volunteer in my Laguna garden, having jumped the fence from the fields on the other side. I do appreciate it for its ease and enthusiasm, and because the hummingbirds are particularly fond of the orange tubular flowers. Unfortunately it spreads like crazy and in no time at all creates a thick stand that chokes out other plants. I remove it vigorously from this spot it especially loves in with the roses and clematis, but leave it down in the more natural areas of the garden. It is unfazed by my efforts to control it and returns every year to rub leaves with the more cultured flowers, much like a horticultural bull in a china shop.
pretty and vigorous? i want it.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, it's so invasive! But beautiful. I wish they warn people about it. I bought a bag in Costco... it was a mistake! Wicked Gardener, come over, I'll dig out dozens of them for you!
ReplyDeleteHuh, mine stays in a little clump and never spreads anywhere. That's a different climate for you! I love crocosmia, right with the hummingbirds there, but am sorry it's a thug for you.
ReplyDeleteI have this in my yard too. (-: I do love seeing it bloom(-: It was a pass a long plant from my Great Aunt. Mine does not bloom until June.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I have some Crocosmia in my garden that are a red variety. I'm guessing C. 'Lucifer'. It doesn't seed about but it is pretty - ah, forcibly robust . In a garden I work at there are some orangey ones like yours Sheila that do seed around. I believe they are C. crocosmiiflora which do the most spreading. I think most other Crocosmias hybrids don't seed themselves everywhere. But all in all one of the better plants to have "settled" in your garden right? Friends of hummingbirds i rarely dislike.
ReplyDeleteI just had to comment that I loved your writing in this post..."rubbing elbows," etc. I always enjoy visiting :)
ReplyDeleteOh you fortunate gardener! I do wish I could get this plant to love C&L! it doesn't! it must be the poor drainage offered here~~Must try harder...I mean, hummers like it! gail
ReplyDeleteYou would laugh if you could see the effort it has taken me to get some crocosmia established in my garden. I think I've cracked it now, but it's been a struggle.
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