George Davison
Montbretia; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora · George Davison, 1902, UK
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)
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
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