Crocosmia Emily Mckenzie

Description

Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora ‘Emily McKenzie’
Common Name: Montbretia
Plant Type: Deciduous perennial (corm-forming)
Mature Height: 60–75cm
Mature Spread: 30–45cm
Flowering Period: Midsummer to early autumn (July–September)
Flower Colour: Deep orange with dark mahogany central markings
Foliage Colour: Bright green, upright sword-like leaves
Hardiness: Hardy in Ireland & the UK
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Aspect: Full sun to light shade
Maintenance: Low

Description

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ stands out from the crowd with its large, richly coloured flowers — a deep, warm orange with distinctive dark mahogany markings at the centre that give each bloom real depth and character. The flowers are noticeably bigger than many other crocosmias, carried on arching stems above upright, sword-like foliage from midsummer into early autumn. Shorter and more compact than ‘Lucifer’, it sits comfortably in the middle of a border and works beautifully in containers too. Reliable, easy, and one of the most decorative crocosmias you can grow.

Caragh Garden Notebook

Planting:
Plant corms in spring, 8–10cm deep and 15–20cm apart, into well-drained soil. They establish quickly and will begin flowering in their first season. In heavier soils, incorporate some grit to improve drainage before planting.

Watering:
Water regularly through the first growing season to help corms establish. Once settled, ‘Emily McKenzie’ is reasonably drought-tolerant, though a drink during prolonged dry spells through summer will support better flowering and keep the foliage looking strong.

Feeding:
A light mulch of compost in spring is sufficient for plants in the ground. In containers, apply a balanced liquid feed every few weeks through the growing season to maintain vigour and encourage good flowering.

Seasonal Care & Tidy-Up:
Leave the foliage in place through autumn — it continues to feed the corms as it dies back naturally. Cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring before new growth emerges. In colder or more exposed gardens, a light mulch over the crown through winter offers useful protection.

Division (to keep plants vigorous):
Divide every 3–4 years in spring. Lift, separate, and replant — it refreshes the planting and gives you plenty of new corms to spread through the border.

Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. The main risk is crown and corm rot in cold, waterlogged conditions over winter — good drainage at planting is the best prevention.

Design Notes:
The deep orange and mahogany colouring makes it a natural partner for other warm-toned late summer plants — try it alongside Heleniums, Rudbeckias, bronze Dahlias, and Pennisetum ‘Burgundy Bunny’. Also creates striking contrast planted near deep purples and blues such as Agapanthus or Verbena bonariensis. Plant in groups of five or more for the best impact.