Crocosmia bulbs

Why should you choose crocosmia bulbs?

Crocosmia bulbs are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant colour, structure, and movement to their outdoor spaces. With their bold, arching stems and bright blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, crocosmias bring energy and warmth to any garden. Their long flowering period ensures your garden remains colourful and lively throughout late summer and into autumn.

One of the standout features of crocosmia is its versatility. These hardy plants thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or naturalistic planting schemes. Their sword-like foliage provides excellent ground coverage, helping to suppress weeds and add texture even when not in bloom.

Crocosmia bulbs are also incredibly low-maintenance and reliable, returning year after year with minimal care. They pair beautifully with other perennials like asters, rudbeckias, and ornamental grasses, creating stunning late-season displays. For those seeking a combination of striking colour, easy care, and long-lasting blooms, crocosmia bulbs are an exceptional choice.

Stephen’s crocosmia bulbs top picks

Stephen Teeuw is the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. At Peter Nyssen, we offer a wide variety of crocosmia to satisfy the needs of any gardening enthusiast. Here are Stephen’s top picks:

• Emily McKenzie: A distinctive red ring gives this crocosmia a unique personality.

• Lucifer: A prolific flowering crocosmia. Once establish, these hot red flowers will make an impressive and dense show in summer.

• George Davidson: Smaller foliage makes this crocosmia much more manageable around the garden 

How to plant crocosmia bulbs

Planting crocosmia bulbs is simple and rewarding, providing vibrant colour and texture to your garden year after year. Follow these steps to ensure your crocosmia thrives:

Choose the right location: Crocosmias prefer a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. They are perfect for borders, beds, or naturalised areas where their bold stems and bright flowers can stand out.

Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil and improve its drainage by adding compost or grit, especially if your soil is heavy or clay-like. Crocosmias thrive in moderately fertile soil but are adaptable to a range of conditions.

Plant the bulbs: Plant the corms 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) deep with the pointed end facing upwards. Space them about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart to allow room for growth and spreading. For a bold display, plant in clusters or drifts.

Water after planting: Water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the corms. While crocosmia is drought-tolerant once established, it’s important to keep the soil moist during the initial growing period.

Add mulch for protection: Apply a light layer of mulch to help retain moisture and protect the bulbs during colder months, especially in areas with severe winters.

With these easy steps, your crocosmia bulbs will establish well and produce stunning, fiery blooms on arching stems, bringing vibrant energy to your garden throughout late summer and early autumn.

Why choose Peter Nyssen bulbs?

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience

• Our bulbs are packaged in compostable, starch-based bags where possible

• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50

• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 

• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

FAQs

When is the best time to plant crocosmia bulbs?

The best time to plant crocosmia bulbs is in spring, once the risk of frost has passed. In the UK, this is typically from late April to early June, giving the bulbs time to establish before the growing season.

How deep should I plant crocosmia bulbs?

Plant crocosmia bulbs 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) deep with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart to allow for proper growth and spreading.

Can crocosmia grow in containers?

Yes, crocosmia can thrive in containers. Use a large, well-draining pot with a high-quality compost mix. Place the container in full sun or partial shade, and ensure it has enough depth to accommodate the corms and their roots.

How often should I water crocosmia?

Water crocosmia thoroughly after planting to help the corms settle. During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, crocosmia is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.

Do crocosmia bulbs spread over time?

Yes, crocosmia bulbs naturally multiply over time, forming clumps that provide even more blooms each year. If they become overcrowded, you can lift and divide the clumps in autumn to maintain healthy growth and spread them to other areas of your garden.

Need more help?

Bring bold colour and dynamic movement to your garden with our stunning crocosmia bulbs. Perfect for brightening borders, naturalised areas, or cottage garden schemes, these low-maintenance plants provide vibrant blooms and lush foliage from late summer through to autumn.