Among the hundreds of crocosmia variety , ‘ Star of the East ’ stand out as one of the most dear . This laurels - win montbretia showcases magnificent blooms in a vivacious orange hue .
In this article , we ’ll explore why ‘ Star of the East ’ has remained so pop for over a hundred , see its key features , and furnish tips for arise this prima plant
Overview
Crocosmia ‘ Star of the East ’ was introduced in 1910 by British nursery possessor George Davison . It straight off caused a sensation in the horticulture world with its big , bright orange flowers on sturdy upright stems .
This crocosmia grows 36 - 40 inches improbable and blossom in mid to late summer . The blossoms emerge from buds of deep orange and open into wide , flaring huntsman’s horn revealing a creamy inner pharynx speckle with Burgundy wine .
Each flower can reach 4 inches across making ‘ Star of the East ’ exceptionally large - blossom compared to other crocosmia assortment . The blade - like green foliation provides an attractive erect accent .
Key Features
Large 4 inch broad flowers in vibrant orange
Blooms mid summer to other fall on strong upright stem
premise in 1910 and still popular today
Won the Royal Horticultural Society ’s Award of Garden Merit
pull in hummingbirds and butterfly
Tolerates heat , humidity , drought , and hapless dirt
Deer and rabbit immune
Low maintenance
desirable for borders , cutting garden , and container
Growing Conditions
‘ Star of the East ’ flourish in full sun to fond subtlety . It prefer damp , well - drain soil but is still quite drought tolerant once set up . Like most crocosmias , it is adaptable to a wide image of territory types and atmospheric condition .
This montbretia grows well in USDA zones 6 - 9 . bring home the bacon winter mulch in colder climate . It open lento by underground corm but is not excessively fast-growing .
Plant the corms 3 inches mysterious and 6 - 8 inches apart in spring after the risk of frost . urine during dry spell . ‘ Star of the East ’ has few pest or disease issues , especially with equal sunlight and air circulation .
Uses in the Landscape
Thanks to its foresighted heyday time of year and bold color shock , ‘ Star of the East ’ has remained a go - to implant for gardens for over a C .
Its just habit make it ideal for :
Perennial borders and foundation plantings
Cottage garden , cut gardens , and wild flower meadows
peck planting for big color impact
container on decks , patios , and poolsides
emphasis planting with grasses , fern , and dark - leaved plant life
appeal hummingbirds and butterflies to the landscape
Comparable Varieties
While ‘ Star of the East ’ remains a top choice , here are a few other large - flower crocosmia diversity to consider :
Crocosmia ‘ Solfatare ’ – Deep yellow bloom
Crocosmia ‘ Lucifer ’ – vivacious crimson prime
Crocosmia ‘ Emily McKenzie’- Red - orange tree with grim centers
Crocosmia ‘ George Davison ’ – Golden orangeness blooms
Crocosmia ‘ Citronella ’ – Lemon yellowed flowers
Final Thoughts
With its brilliant orange color and implausibly large blossom on tall stems , it ’s easy to see why crocosmia ‘ Star of the East ’ has been a beloved garden plant for over 100 years .
This tough , low-toned - upkeep montbretia offers weeks of vivid color in summer when many other perennial are fading . For gardens seeking sensational flowers that resemble flutter fire , look no further than the always owing ‘ Star of the East ’ crocosmia .
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Crocosmia, the colorful perennial with diabolical names – Gardening with Ciscoe
FAQ
Do crocosmia like sun or shade ?
Where is the good place to plant crocosmia ?
Do crocosmia plants spread ?
Can you leave crocosmia medulla in the ground ?
