The Planting Depth of Crocosmia

Soil Requirements

• Crocosmia isn't fussy about the soil it grows in, but very poor soils should be amended with organic matter, such as compost. Plants benefit from the addition of a timed-released general purpose plant food early in the summer as their leaves turn yellow from lack of nutrients.

Plant Division

• Crocosmia plants should be dug up and divided every 4 to 5 years to minimize overcrowding which can contribute to decreased bloom production. New corms growing on top of the old ones should be broken off and replanted at the same depth as the original bulbs as these will produce lots of new flowers two years after being divided.

Aesthetic Effect

• Crocosmia is most attractive when grown in clumps about 2 feet wide, which can be achieved by planting the corms in groups of five in a square foot of soil. The plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and their blade-like foliage looks less spindly when the plants are grouped.