Lucifer Crocosmia

Here’s one of the brightest bulb flowers of them all, a famous Alan Bloom hybrid of a South African species. Mass them in your border, and you’ll have a brilliant show of bright red in no time. Crocosmias are wildflowers in South Africa, and there are many species. This hybrid is famous for fiery red color. (Montbretias are actually the result of crossing two Crocosmias.)

As a general rule, remember when planting South African bulbs, that these flowers are used to hot sun and gritty, fast-draining soil. In colder regions gardeners may not experience blooms the first year, but once established get ready for a fabulous display!