Flower Library
Crocosmia
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora · Schwertliliengewächse (Iridaceae)
With its arching, overhanging flower sprays, crocosmia brings a touch of high summer to any bouquet. The funnel-shaped blooms line up along the slender stems like little flames, opening gradually from the bottom upwards. Because we source our summer flowers directly at the Rhein-Maas auction, the stems reach our Düsseldorf workshop crisp and fresh with tightly closed bud tips.
- Season
- July – August – September
- Vase life
- 8–14 days
- Latin name
- Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- Colors
- Bright red, Orange, Yellow, Apricot, Scarlet
Botanically, crocosmia belongs to the iris family and is closely related to gladiolus and freesia. The name Crocosmia combines the Greek words for saffron and odour, because the dried plant parts release a saffron-like scent when soaked in hot water. Sword-shaped, pleated leaves rise from the corm, topped by branched, gently arching flower stems.
The best-known variety is the fiery red Crocosmia „Lucifer“, named for its blazing colour and especially sought after as a cut flower. Alongside it there are varieties in rich orange such as „Emily McKenzie“, bright yellow like „George Davison“, and soft apricot and scarlet tones. Flower size and stem length vary by variety, providing suitable material for both loose and upright bouquets.
In floristry we value crocosmia as a wonderful line flower. Its curving sprays loosen up compact summer bouquets and give arrangements movement and depth. It pairs beautifully with sunflowers, dahlias, yarrow and grasses, lending any mix the warm, naturalistic character of a cottage garden. An important quality marker is the bloom reserve: good stems already show open flowers at the base while the tip is still in bud and continues to open over several days.
Stylistically, crocosmia suits naturalistic, summery-wild designs best. In modern asymmetric bouquets it sets colourful accents, while in rustic mixed bunches it adds an effortless lightness. For maximum impact, combine several stems into an arc of colour. Cut fresh and kept cool, it reliably stays a rewarding companion for one to two weeks throughout high summer.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place immediately in lukewarm, clean water; strip the lowest leaves so nothing rots below the waterline.
- 02Choose the right harvest stage: ideal stems have the lower flowers just opening while the tip is still in bud.
- 03Keep cool and out of direct sun; avoid draughts and proximity to ripening fruit, as ethylene ages the blooms faster.
- 04Change the vase water every two to three days and trim the stem ends fresh with each change.
- 05Pluck spent individual flowers from the lower end of the spray so the following buds receive more strength and the bouquet stays attractive longer.
Frequently asked
- How long does crocosmia last in the vase?
- With fresh A1-grade stems and regular water changes, crocosmia lasts eight to fourteen days. Because the flowers open one after another from the bottom upwards, the spray keeps producing fresh blooms over many days.
- Is crocosmia toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- The above-ground parts are considered only mildly toxic and may cause slight gastrointestinal upset if swallowed. The corms are more irritating and can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. As a cut flower in a vase the risk is low, but stems and vase water should still be kept out of reach of curious pets and small children.
- When is crocosmia in season as a cut flower?
- The main season is high summer from July to September. During this time crocosmia is available in top quality at the Rhein-Maas auction, bringing its luminous colours fresh into the bouquet.
- Where does the name Lucifer come from for the red crocosmia?
- The „Lucifer“ variety owes its name to its flaming red, almost blazing flower colour. It is the best-known and most popular cutting variety, providing intense, fiery accents in summer bouquets.