Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Lucifer'
‘Lucifer’ is a tall, robust crocosmia selected for its vivid scarlet sprays and reliable performance. Plants make upright clumps of pleated, sword-shaped leaves topped by arching stems in mid to late summer. It is widely grown across North America for bold color and strong stems that stand in summer weather. This cultivar is among the hardier crocosmias and survives in cold regions with winter mulch where soils drain well. It performs best in full sun with steady moisture and benefits from a sheltered site in windy spots. Flowering is most abundant when clumps are lifted and divided before they become congested.
At‑a‑glance
Group/Class: Montbretia; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
Height × spread: 36-48 in (0.9-1.2 m) × 12-24 in (30-60 cm)
Bloom window: mid to late summer
Color & flower form: scarlet red, tubular flowers in one-sided sprays
Fragrance: 0 none
USDA hardiness: zones 5-9
Breeder / Year / Origin: Alan Bloom, 1966, UK
Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
Cut-flower notes: sturdy stems; typical vase life about 5 to 7 days in clean water; hydrate promptly after harvest.
Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Taller and more upright than many crocosmias.
- Cold-tolerant for the group; established clumps can overwinter in zone 5 with mulch.
- Large, vivid scarlet spikes show well at a distance.
- Strong, cut-worthy stems compared with typical types.
Strengths
- Reliable mid to late summer display.
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Widely proven in gardens and trials; AGM holder.
- Grows in full sun to light shade.
Care in one minute
· Choose a site with full sun to light afternoon shade in hot summers.
Soil: moderately fertile and well drained with steady moisture; avoid waterlogged clay.
· Plant corms 3 to 4 in deep and 3 to 4 in apart in groups; point up and roots down.
· Water during dry spells in summer; allow the surface to dry slightly between soakings.
Feeding: mix in compost at planting; a light spring feed is sufficient.
· Deadhead spent sprays; leave foliage to yellow before cutting back; divide congested clumps in spring.
Winter: in zone 5, mulch 2 to 3 in after the ground cools; lift and store in colder spots.
Watch‑outs
- Spreads by chains of corms; divide to control clump size.
- Flowering drops in dry soil; provide steady moisture in summer.
- May need winter mulch at the cold edge of its range.
- Can be prone to spider mites under hot, dry, sheltered conditions.
Best uses (tags)
cutting, borders, pollinators, late season, coastal
Provenance note
‘Lucifer’ is an Alan Bloom selection, often cited as a hybrid involving Crocosmia masoniorum and C. paniculata, chosen for hardiness and showy red flowers.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
- NC State Extension – Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (cut flower notes)
- RHS – How to grow crocosmias
- Royal Horticultural Society – Potentially harmful garden plants
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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