Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' Falling Stars is a deciduous cormous perennial that blooms midsummer into early autumn. Borne on arching, multi-flowering stems, the upward-facing starlike coral-orange blooms have red and yellow markings and a crimson throat. The elegant sprays make excellent cut flowers for floral displays. Left in the garden, they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; and the seedpods that follow provide a food source for songbirds.
A Crocosmia hybrid, commonly called crocosmia, falling stars, or montbretia, 'Emily McKenzie' is a South African native. The plant has a dense, upright, clump-forming habit of tall, grassy, swordlike foliage. Crocosmia is a great "thriller" in a container garden; however, it is shown to best effect when mass planted and is especially nice in mixed beds and borders and is effective erosion control. But it does multiply annually and will need to be divided regularly, so consider placement carefully.
Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow, crocosmias grow best in sunny to partially shady locations with fertile, humus-rich, evenly moist, well-draining soil, preferably sandy. But crocosmias grow well in just about any soil, including chalky, clay, loam, and very acidic or alkaline soils. They are drought, humidity, and heat tolerant, but in hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. In colder areas, plant in locations sheltered from cold, drying winds and protect with a thick layer of dry mulch in winter. Crocosmias are generally disease free and deer, rabbit, and salt resistant. Crocosmia can be grown in Zones 3-5, but the corms must be dug up and stored indoors during winter.
