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.
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Botanical Name: Crocosmia Lucifer
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Type: Perennial Flower Bulb
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Color: Fire engine red flowers
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Spread/Width: Plant 6 bulbs per square foot
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Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
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Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil Preferences: Will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions as long as they are fast draining.
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Advantages: Deer resistant. Attracts birds and butterflies. Excellent cut flower.
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Zones: Hardy in Zones 5-9. Tender bulb in others: when frost threatens, lift bulb for next spring.
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