Crocosmia

Plant corms 8-10 cm deep in spring in humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Space clumps 15-20 cm apart. 'Lucifer' is the hardiest crocosmia and survives most UK winters without protection, but a thick mulch of bark over the corms in late autumn helps in colder northern gardens. Water during prolonged dry spells in summer. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring as growth begins. Crocosmia spreads steadily via offsets and can form large colonies after a few years — divide every three to four years to control spread and maintain flowering vigour. The sword-like foliage provides useful vertical structure even before and after flowering.

Leave foliage intact after flowering until it yellows and dies back naturally in late autumn — the leaves feed the corms for next year's display. Cut dead foliage back to ground level in late November. Remove spent flower stems once the display is over, or leave for seed heads if desired.