How to Grow Crocosmia Emily McKenzie
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Crocosmia Emily McKenzie
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'
flowerEmily McKenzie is a compact cultivar of montbretia known for its vibrant orange-red flowers with deep burgundy-red centers, creating a striking two-tone effect. This summer-blooming perennial produces elegant arching sprays of tubular flowers on slender green stems, typically reaching 24-30 inches tall. It's a reliable, long-blooming ornamental that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while being relatively easy to grow.
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Example Crocosmia Emily McKenzie timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Crocosmia Emily McKenzie
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Crocosmia Emily McKenzie blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; can be grown in zone 5 with winter protection
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Dormancy/Dormant Corms
3-4 months (late fall to spring)Corms are stored underground in a dormant state during winter and early spring
Store corms in cool, dry conditions over winter. In zones 5-6, dig up corms in fall and store indoors. In warmer zones, can stay in ground. Check periodically for mold or rot.
Sprouting/Early Growth
3-4 weeksNew shoots emerge from corms as temperatures warm; narrow, sword-like green foliage appears
Plant corms in spring after last frost when soil has warmed. Water moderately to encourage shoot development. Apply balanced fertilizer if soil is poor.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksTall, arching green foliage develops; multiple stems elongate; plant builds structure
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Stake or support if in windy locations. Deadhead any early blooms to encourage more flower development. Fertilize monthly with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (mid-summer to early fall)Graceful arching sprays of tubular flowers open in vibrant orange-red with burgundy-red centers; flowers appear sequentially along the spike
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Water regularly during flowering period. Continue light fertilizing. Pinch back the uppermost unopened buds to encourage side branching and prolonged bloom.
Post-Bloom/Seed Development
4-6 weeks into fallFlowers fade and form seed pods; foliage begins to decline as energy is directed to corm development
Allow some flowers to set seed if you want natural spread; deadhead others to redirect energy to corm enlargement. Reduce watering gradually. Do not remove foliage; allow it to yellow naturally to feed the corm.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use slug traps or barriers; hand-pick at night; encourage ground beetles and hedgehogs; apply diatomaceous earth or copper tape around planting area
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Practice crop rotation; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; use physical barriers; avoid areas with persistent grass
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Increase humidity by misting; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like predatory mites
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Remove damaged foliage; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; avoid excess nitrogen
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Ensure excellent soil drainage; store corms in cool, dry conditions; inspect and discard diseased corms; do not overwater
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryCrocosmia is ornamental only and should not be ingested. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdThe elegant arching sprays of orange-red flowers are prized for cutting and last 7-10 days in fresh water, making them ideal for summer bouquets, wedding arrangements, and decorative displays. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe tubular orange-red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Crocosmia Emily McKenzie an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and pollinator-friendly landscaping. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftThe stems and seed heads can be left on the plant to dry in place and used in fall and winter dried arrangements, providing long-lasting decorative appeal. [source]
Traditional use (not scientifically validated)
MedicinalWhile some Crocosmia species have been used in traditional African herbal medicine, Emily McKenzie is primarily ornamental and not recommended for medicinal use without expert guidance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when the first 1-2 buds on the spike are open for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut in early morning when stems are hydrated. Remove lower foliage before placing in water. For fresh, continuous displays, harvest every 2-3 days as new spikes mature. Do not remove all foliage from plants if leaving corms in ground; allow leaves to remain until they naturally yellow to maximize corm energy storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Crocosmia is derived from Greek words 'krokos' (saffron) and 'osme' (smell), though the flowers don't actually smell like saffron—the name refers to the resemblance of the seed pods to those of crocus.
- 🌱 Emily McKenzie was named after a renowned gardener and horticulturist, and is a hybrid cultivar resulting from crosses between Crocosmia aurea and Crocosmia pottsii, combining the best traits of both parent species.
- 🌱 Crocosmia corms can multiply rapidly underground, potentially creating large flowering colonies from a single planting; in ideal conditions, mature plants may have 10-15 corms in a clump after just 2-3 years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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