Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'George Davison'
‘George Davison’ is a classic yellow crocosmia valued for early to mid-season color and compact growth. Plants form upright fans of foliage with branched stems that open soft yellow flowers from orange buds. It performs best in full sun with evenly moist, well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered position in colder zones. In much of the northern United States it is hardy with mulch, but corms can be lifted and stored where winters are severe. The luminous flower color mixes easily with blues and purples and works well for cutting.
At‑a‑glance
Group/Class: Montbretia; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
Height × spread: 24-30 in (60-75 cm) × 12-18 in (30-45 cm)
Bloom window: mid to late summer
Color & flower form: light orange-yellow, tubular blooms from orange buds
Fragrance: 0 none
USDA hardiness: zones 6-9
Breeder / Year / Origin: George Davison, 1902, UK
Awards/registration: RHS Award of Merit (1902)
Cut-flower notes: moderately sturdy stems; typical vase life about a week when conditioned well.
Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Earlier to flower than many crocosmias.
- Compact habit compared with tall red types like ‘Lucifer’.
- Soft yellow tonality rather than the usual orange-red.
Strengths
- Useful mid-border height.
- Good for mixed bouquets and cottage borders.
- 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 well in zone 6; lift for storage where winters are colder or soils stay wet.
Watch‑outs
- Borderline hardy in zone 5; mulch or lift and store corms where winters are severe.
- Spreads by corms; divide clumps to manage spread.
Best uses (tags)
cutting, borders, pollinators, cottage, late season
Provenance note
Named for British breeder George Davison, this early yellow hybrid became a benchmark cultivar in the early 1900s.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘George Davison’
- The Lily Garden – ‘George Davison’ notes and award history
- Royal Horticultural Society – Potentially harmful garden plants
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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