I know, it's a cheesy header, but sometimes you just can't resist the obvious :-) Last year, on a random trip to Joy Creek Nursery, I bought this, my first (and so far only) crocosmia. At the time, I hadn't really planned on buying it, as I just felt like going to the nursery and wandering around, admiring their gardens, and checking out the plants. My partner, however, feels that any trip made requires a purchase to justify it. Well, I told him he could pick anything he wanted and that's what I'd buy (within reason...I'm not a millionaire). This is what he picked out, Crocosmia 'Orangade'. I was a little skeptical at first, I've never been the biggest fan of Crocosmia, mostly because I'm leery of using red in the garden, and anyone who has ever seen a bunch of the red Crocosmia in full bloom can attest to the fact that they pretty much demand your attention. I'm more of a quiet garden lover, preferring calming, restful colors and harmonious combinations. This orange Crocosmia, however, seemed a better fit for my garden. It's bold, it's bright and it may even be a little gaudy, but for some reason, the play of yellow, red and orange together really adds a needed punctuation of color to the middle of the front garden. It has grown from a tiny little stem planted last fall to a nice-sized clump about 18" across and 2-2 1/2' tall. It has numerous blooming stems at this point and a lovely graceful arching habit. It's attractive even when out of bloom, with is strappy, blade-like leaves. If anyone is ever in need of a jolt of color for their garden, I'd whole-heartedly recommend this plant!
I love it! I really miss the Crocosmia I had last year. It was my first year to grow it and I thought it was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis year I was so sad to see that it did not come back. I don't think it likes Michigan winters.
Thanks Zoey! That's too bad about your Crocosmia...I'm always super sad whenever something doesn't make it through the winter (and sometimes the summer). I'm not sure what the hardiness limit of Crocosmia is, but I'd imagine Michigan would maybe be at the far edge of it's range...maybe a little extra leaf-cover would help them make it through in the future if you try them again...then again, you never know, I've had 2 of the same plant right next to each other and one will make if through fine, the other croaks...go figure.
ReplyDeleteYou know this might be the perfect shade for my garden that is a combo of purples and oranges. I'm not crazy for the typical red one either, but this one is really pretty. Thanks for stopping by my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - this plant is very attractive.I love how it grows in clumps, and how long it blooms. Saying that, I should confess that right now it's my enemy number 2(number 1 is vinka minor). I planted a bag of bulbs 4-5 years ago. They multiplied and started to take over the flowerbed. This spring, I tried to dig them out. I failed - some tiny bulbs were missed and I see green tops everywhere again. I decided to keep Crocosmia only in pots in my garden. I made some research and found out that C. is an invasive plant in New Zealand, UK, American NW. I read many posts about C. where the authors said it was not invasive in their garden. I am happy for them, because it's a nice plant. Unfortunately, it's very agressive in my garden. My soil is very light, sandy, and maybe it helps bulbs to spread. Also, I should repeat - I planted a LOT of bulbs, and it was a mistake. Hope, it will behave in your garden!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog. Happy gardening and happy blogging!
Cheesy header or not, anyone who can write "on a random trip to Joy Creek Nursery," has my full attention! Lucky boy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone!
ReplyDeleteTatyana...you'd be surprised at how many stop me to remark on this crocosmia...the few who know what it is always warn me against it's impending spread!
Denise...believe me, I used to live in the middle of no where, Nebraska...I'm so grateful to live within driving distance of so many outstanding nurseries...and Joy Creek is by far my favorite!