Crocosmia aurea
Common names: falling stars, valentine flower, montbretia; Zulu names: umlunge, udwendweni

This season, the bright orange Crocosmia have flowered fabulously, creating spectacular splashes of orange in gardens and on the edges of the forest. They grow in colonies – the corms spreading underground and also seeding profusely. The soft, narrow leaves are sword shaped and wrap around the tall flower stalk which holds the inflorescence high.  The flowers are almost luminous in gentle light, each one about 4cm in diameter with three stamens, opening in succession up the stem. They certainly brighten up shady parts of the garden. The seed capsules are very attractive too – a leathery dark orange capsule filled with shiny black seeds (much loved by birds).  Both the flowers and seed heads are lovely in a flower arrangement. 

Crocosmia belong to the iris family. It is cosmopolitan family, consisting of approximately 82 genera and 1 700 species. Thirty-eight genera and over half the species occur in South Africa. They are very easy to grow and, ideally, should be left undisturbed to multiply on their own. Transplant corms during winter, when they are dormant, or sow seeds in the warmer months.

Click on any of the links below to see another Dargle wildflower