Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Star of the East'
‘Star of the East’ is prized for unusually large, outward-facing orange blooms with a pale center. Plants are shorter than many crocosmias and excel where soil stays evenly moist. It flowers in late summer and early fall and is best in full sun with shelter from drying winds. This cultivar is noted for thriving in damp conditions and is less suited to hot, dry sites.
At‑a‑glance
Group/Class: Montbretia; Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
Height × spread: 20-28 in (50-70 cm) × 12-20 in (30-50 cm)
Bloom window: late summer to early fall
Color & flower form: very large, soft orange, outward-facing flowers with paler center
Fragrance: 0 none
USDA hardiness: zones 6-9
Breeder / Year / Origin: George Davison, 1912, UK
Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
Cut-flower notes: showy blooms on medium-length stems; condition well; typical vase life near one week.
Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Larger flowers than most crocosmias and held more outward-facing.
- Tolerates wetter soils better than many selections.
- Shorter, clump-forming habit for front to mid border.
Strengths
- High visual impact from large flowers.
- AGM for dependable garden performance.
- Attracts pollinators.
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.
Moisture: do not allow soil to dry out during bud formation and bloom.
Watch‑outs
- Not suited to hot, dry sites; flowering can suffer without moisture.
- Spreads by corms; divide to keep clumps compact.
Best uses (tags)
borders, cutting, pollinators, damp border, late season
Provenance note
Introduced by George Davison in the early 20th century and still grown for its exceptional flower size and clarity of color.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘Star of the East’
- Royal Horticultural Society – Potentially harmful garden plants
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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