How to Grow Crocosmia Citronella
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Crocosmia Citronella
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Citronella'
flowerCrocosmia 'Citronella' is a striking ornamental flowering plant featuring bright golden-yellow blooms on arching stems that rise above sword-like green foliage. This cultivar is a hybrid crocosmia prized for its vibrant color and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. It provides excellent cut flowers and adds tropical flair to borders, containers, and mixed plantings.
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Example Crocosmia Citronella timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Crocosmia Citronella
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 Citronella blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crocosmia Citronella dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10; can be grown in zone 5 with winter protection
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Get my Crocosmia Citronella timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy
December-March (varies by zone)Corms lie underground in winter; minimal visible growth above ground
In zones 5-7, mulch heavily with 3-4 inches of leaves or straw. In warmer zones, light mulch suffices. Keep soil dry to prevent rot.
Emergence
March-AprilNew shoots and sword-like leaves emerge from soil as temperatures warm in spring
Remove mulch gradually as shoots appear. Begin regular watering. Apply balanced fertilizer when shoots are 4-6 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
April-JuneFoliage expands with long, arching, blue-green sword-shaped leaves forming clumps 24-36 inches tall
Maintain consistent moisture. Stake tall varieties if needed in windy locations. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Flowering
June-SeptemberBranched flower spikes with bright golden-yellow tubular flowers open sequentially from bottom to top along arching stems
Water regularly during bloom period. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Stake or support stems if needed. Cut for arrangements.
Seed Development & Senescence
September-NovemberFlowers fade, seed pods develop; foliage begins to yellow and decline as plant prepares for dormancy
Reduce watering gradually. Cut back dead foliage in fall or early spring. Allow some seed heads to remain for wildlife benefit.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Remove affected flowers; apply neem oil or spinosad spray. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor populations.
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Remove by hand at night; use copper tape barriers or diatomaceous earth around plants. Beer traps can be effective.
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Improve air circulation by pruning dense foliage. Remove infected leaves. Apply fungicide if needed; avoid overhead watering.
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Ensure excellent drainage; never allow corms to sit in wet soil. Plant in raised beds if necessary. Remove and destroy affected corms.
Uses
Not edible - ornamental only
CulinaryCrocosmia is purely ornamental and not consumed as food. No culinary applications. [source]
Cut flowers & floral arrangements
HouseholdThe long-lasting golden-yellow flowers and graceful arching stems are excellent for fresh cut arrangements, bouquets, and floral designs. The unusual tubular flower shape adds texture and visual interest to mixed arrangements. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeCrocosmia 'Citronella' is highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats. The bright yellow flowers signal nectar availability. [source]
Dried arrangements & seed pods
CraftDried seed pods and flower stems retain their form and color well, making them suitable for dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Allow flowers to dry naturally on the stem. [source]
Traditional plant in some cultures
MedicinalWhile not widely used in modern herbalism, some traditional African and Asian plant systems reference crocosmia species for various applications. No validated scientific evidence supports medicinal claims. [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 flower stems in the morning when the lowest flowers are just opening for longest vase life (10-14 days). Cut above a node to encourage branching. Leave at least 2-3 leaves on the plant to support future growth. For ornamental display, allow seed heads to dry on the plant in fall for wildlife interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Crocosmia' comes from the Greek words 'crocus' (saffron) and 'osmia' (smell), referring to the saffron-like scent of the dried corms when crushed.
- 🌱 Crocosmia 'Citronella' is a hybrid cultivar developed through deliberate crossing of Crocosmia species, combining the best ornamental traits of its parent plants.
- 🌱 This plant is native to South Africa but has naturalized in parts of western Ireland and the UK, where it thrives in maritime climates, earning it the local nickname 'Montbretia'.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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