How to Grow Devil's Tears
Devil's Tears
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Devil's Tears'
flowerDevil's Tears is a striking ornamental perennial featuring deep red-orange tubular flowers that cascade downward on arching stems, resembling tears dripping from the plant. This hybrid crocosmia variety produces elegant, sword-like foliage and blooms profusely throughout summer. It's a valuable addition to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.
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Example Devil's Tears timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Devil's Tears
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 Devil's Tears blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Devil's Tears dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10; hardy to zone 5b with winter protection
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Dormancy/Planting
Varies by region; spring through early summerCorms are planted in spring after frost danger passes. Soil is prepared with amendments and warmed naturally.
Plant corms 4-6 inches deep in groups of 3-5 for visual impact. Space 9 inches apart. Water gently after planting.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksSword-like green foliage emerges and elongates. Plant develops a clump of upright leaves before flower buds form.
Water regularly to maintain moist soil. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove any weeds competing for nutrients.
Budding
2-3 weeksTall flower stems emerge from the foliage, developing branched spikes with small buds forming along the stems.
Stake tall varieties if needed to prevent flopping. Continue regular watering and feeding every 2-3 weeks with bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus).
Flowering
6-10 weeks (July-September)Cascading tubular flowers in deep red-orange tones open progressively along the arching stems, creating dramatic waterfall effects.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water consistently. Cut stems for bouquets to promote more flowering.
Senescence/Dormancy
Fall through winterFlowers fade, foliage yellows and dies back. Corms enter dormancy underground, storing energy for next season.
In cold zones (below 6), dig corms after first frost and store indoors in cool, dry place. In warmer zones, allow to dry in ground or mulch heavily.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil early in season; remove affected flowers
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Increase humidity, spray leaves with water, use miticide if infestation is severe
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and
Handpick at night, use copper tape barriers, apply slug bait or encourage ground beetles
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, store corms in dry conditions, discard rotted corms
Uses
Ornamental edible flowers
CulinaryWhile not commonly eaten, crocosmia flowers are edible and can add dramatic, spicy notes to gourmet salads and dessert plates. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
CraftDevil's Tears are exceptional in cut flower arrangements, adding height, movement, and vibrant color to bouquets and floral designs. The long vase life makes them ideal for professional florists. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making this plant valuable for pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Garden design accent
HouseholdDevil's Tears serves as a striking focal point or accent plant in borders, cottage gardens, and containers, adding vertical interest and warm color tones. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, some crocosmia species have been used to support circulation and inflammation management, though clinical evidence is limited. [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 early morning when the first 3-4 flowers on the spike are open. Hold stems upright when cutting. Remove lower foliage before placing in water. Re-cut stems every few days and change water regularly for longest vase life (7-14 days). Deadhead faded flowers on garden plants to promote continuous blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus name 'Crocosmia' comes from Greek words meaning 'saffron' and 'smell,' referring to the saffron-like aroma the corms release when dried.
- 🌱 Devil's Tears is a hybrid cultivar that combines the best traits of several crocosmia species, offering superior flower production and vibrant coloring compared to parent species.
- 🌱 In Victorian flower language, crocosmia symbolizes enthusiasm and energy, making it a meaningful gift for celebratory occasions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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