How to Grow Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'
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Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'
flowerCrocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' is a stunning deciduous perennial that produces vibrant orange-red flowers with deep red centers on graceful, arching stems. This mid-sized cultivar grows 24-30 inches tall and blooms from mid to late summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies while providing bold color to borders and cutting gardens. The sword-like foliage adds architectural interest even before the flowers emerge.
When should you plant Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' in your zone?
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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 →Zones 6-9; hardy in zone 5b with winter protection
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Dormancy/Spring Emergence
March-April in most zonesCorms remain underground through winter. Shoots emerge as soil warms in spring; sword-like leaves gradually develop.
Protect in zone 5b with 3-4 inches of mulch; do not disturb corms. In early spring, remove old mulch to allow warming.
Vegetative Growth
April-JuneUpright, strap-like green foliage expands; plant reaches full height. No flowers yet, but foliage is ornamental.
Water regularly during establishment. Tall varieties may need staking in windy locations. Deadhead spent foliage from previous year.
Bud Formation
June-JulyFlower buds form at stem tips; buds appear as tight clusters at end of gracefully arching stems.
Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) to support heavy flowering.
Flowering
July-September (6-8 weeks)Tubular flowers open sequentially along branching stems; 'Emily McKenzie' displays warm orange-red with contrasting red-brown throats. Blooms are excellent for cutting.
Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom season. Cut stems for arrangements frequently. Continue watering.
Senescence & Dormancy
September-MarchFoliage yellows and dies back after first frost. Corms underground enter dormancy; older foliage can be removed.
Stop watering once foliage dies back. In zone 5b, apply 3-4 inches of mulch for winter protection. In zones 6-9, light mulch (1-2 inches) is optional.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested foliage.
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Remove affected flowers; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.
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Remove by hand, use copper tape barriers, or apply slug bait in moist conditions.
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Spray with strong water stream or apply insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Uses
Garnish for special events
CulinaryThe striking orange-red flowers with deep red centers are edible and make dramatic garnishes for upscale culinary presentations, cakes, and cocktails. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdExcellent long-lasting cut flower for summer bouquets and floral arrangements. The arching stems add graceful movement to vases and complement dahlias, zinnias, and grasses. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator magnet
WildlifeThe tubular orange-red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and attract a wide variety of butterflies and other pollinators throughout the summer. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftFlowers can be air-dried for long-term use in dried arrangements and craft projects, retaining much of their warm color. [source]
Traditional ornamental use
MedicinalWhile not commonly used medicinally in Western herbalism, Crocosmia has been used in traditional African and Asian medicine for various purposes; primarily valued as a beautiful ornamental. [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 in the morning when the first 2-3 flowers on the spike have opened; they will continue opening in the vase. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle 1-2 inches above a leaf node to encourage side shoots. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. Deadhead spent flowers on the plant to encourage more blooms and extend the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Crocosmia' comes from Greek words meaning 'saffron' and 'smell,' though the flowers are actually lightly scented, not strongly fragrant.
- 🌱 'Emily McKenzie' was named after Emily McKenzie, a noted horticulturist and plant enthusiast, and remains one of the most popular Crocosmia cultivars due to its striking color combination and reliable hardiness.
- 🌱 Crocosmia corms can be dug and stored indoors over winter in cold climates (zone 5b), similar to gladiolus, allowing gardeners to grow them as annuals or dig and replant each year for guaranteed corm survival.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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