Paul
Montbretia; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Montbretia; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
- Height × spread: 40-60 in (1.0-1.5 m) × 20-39 in (0.5-1.0 m)
- Bloom window: late summer to early fall
- Color & flower form: bright egg-yolk yellow, tubular sprays
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 6-9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
- Cut-flower notes: tall stems suitable for cutting; condition promptly; typical vase life about a week.
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Clear yellow color with large, showy blooms for late season impact.
- Taller habit than many yellow selections.
- AGM holder for garden reliability.
Strengths
- Bright, saturated yellow for mixed borders and bouquets.
- Useful late season color.
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
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.
Overwintering: mulch in zone 6; lift and store where winters are severe or soils stay wet.
Watch‑outs
- Height can lean in exposed, windy sites; provide shelter or discreet support.
- Clumps enlarge by corms; divide to maintain vigor.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Widely grown in the UK and North America; awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit for dependable garden performance.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’
- RHS – How to grow crocosmias
- Royal Horticultural Society – Potentially harmful garden plants
