Plant profile – Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

A devilishly striking choice for fiery summer borders

If you want to add some infernal heat to your flowerbeds this summer, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is the perfect plant to raise a little horticultural hell. With its flaming red flowers and upright, sword-like foliage, it brings drama, height and colour to any sunny Canadian garden — no pitchfork required.

Bred by the legendary Alan Bloom, this award-winning cultivar is by far the boldest of the Crocosmia clan. It puts on a dazzling display from mid to late summer with fiery scarlet flowers that arch elegantly over deep green foliage. It’s a pollinator magnet too — hummingbirds love it, and you’ll often catch them hovering around it at dawn and dusk.

Key features

Height: Up to 1.2m (4ft)
Spread: Around 45cm (18in)
Flowers: Mid-to-late summer (July–August)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–6 (with mulch); lift in colder zones.

Best growing conditions

Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Crocosmia prefers a light to medium soil and does not enjoy being waterlogged. If your soil is heavy, consider amending it with grit or compost. Avoid overly rich soil — too much nitrogen can cause lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Plant corms about 7–10cm (3–4in) deep and 10–15cm (4–6in) apart in spring, after the threat of frost has passed. They’ll typically bloom in their second year, although some will flower in their first if started early.

Winter care

In most of southern Canada (zones 5–6), Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ can be left in the ground if you provide a generous mulch of straw, shredded leaves or compost. In colder regions (zones 3–4), lift the corms in autumn after the foliage has died back. Dry them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry spot like a basement or shed over winter — a similar process to overwintering dahlias.

Perfect pairings

For bold borders, pair ‘Lucifer’ with golden Rudbeckia, deep purple Salvia, or airy Miscanthus grasses. The contrast between hot colours and cool textures makes for a modern, prairie-style look that’s low maintenance and high impact.

Top tip

After a few years, Crocosmia can become congested. If flower production drops, it’s time to lift and divide the clumps in spring or autumn. Replant healthy corms and discard any that are shrivelled or soft.

Final word

Whether you’re redesigning a tired border or just want a splash of summer sizzle, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is the devilishly good choice that delivers year after year. It’s bold, easy to grow, and unapologetically flamboyant. Don’t resist the temptation to grow it!