Also known as Aunt Eliza · Falling Stars · Lesotho Crocosmia
Crocosmia paniculata, the Slender Zigzag Montbretia, is a striking South African perennial with slender, arching stems bearing vibrant orange-red flowers in summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth. Can tolerate partial shade, but may produce fewer blooms.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, but allow for slight drying between waterings. Reduce in autumn and winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-25°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures and requires a cool, dry period for dormancy.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry periods. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and keep the soil barely moist during winter dormancy to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
After flowering, remove spent flower stalks to prevent seed formation and encourage further blooming. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, cut back any dead or damaged foliage to the ground.
This tidies the plant and promotes vigorous new shoots.
Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring as new growth emerges. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least one growing point. Replant divisions immediately into well-draining soil.
It can also be propagated from seed sown in spring.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth starts, or when they become root-bound. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
This ensures adequate space for root development and replenishes soil nutrients.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Slender Zigzag Montbretia (Crocosmia paniculata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Liliopsida |
| order | Asparagales |
| family | Iridaceae |
| genus | Crocosmia |
| species | Crocosmia paniculata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
