General Culture: Click for monthly care information.
Grow in medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers full sun, but appreciates part shade in hot summer climates. Plant corms in spring after last frost date approximately 3-4” deep and 6” apart. Not reliably winter hardy in USDA Zone 5 where it needs a protected location and winter mulch. In order to insure winter survival in USDA Zone 5 and perhaps Zone 6A, digging up the corms in fall and storing them in a dry medium over winter (in somewhat the same manner as gladiolus) is an option that may be considered.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This montbretia hybrid features sword-shaped, basal foliage (2-2.5’ tall) which resembles gladiolus or iris and nodding, tubular, somewhat star-like, burnt orange flowers (1-2”) which appear in summer above the foliage on the upper portions of arching, often-branched scapes. Montbretias are good fresh cut flowers which are frequently used in commercial flower arrangements.
Problems:
Spider mites can cause significant damage to the foliage, and, if left unchecked, can impair normal flowering. Winter hardiness is a concern in the St. Louis area.
Uses:
Perennial borders. Also effective in containers where lifting corms for winter is easier.
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Garden, 2001-2010
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