The Iridaceae Family is comprised of 99 genera made up of 2245 different species. The Crocosmia genus of flowering, cormous plants is a part of the Iridaceae (Iris) family that are native to southern and eastern Africa where they grow on grasslands with moderately fertile soil, in regions with a predominantly sunny climate and high summer rainfall. Crocosmia have 8 species, today more than 400 cultivars at different colours; red, orange and yellow have been produced. The genus name Crocosmia is derived from the Greek words ‘krokos’, meaning saffron, and ‘osme’, meaning odour (dried flowers of the plants, emitting a strong smell like that of saffron when immersed in hot water).

The Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a hybrid with a long history. It is obtained after many crossing of crocosmias that started by Victor Lemoine in 1879 and ended by Alan Bloom in 1966. The name lucifer is given because the fiery red flowers of the plant reminds of the devil.

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a deciduous, clump forming perennial with narrow, sword-shaped leaves and fiery red flowers. It is a hardy plant and will grow to around 120 cm tall. Plant flower from summer to early autumn. They have colourful inflorescences of 4 to 20 vivid red and orange alternate flowers on a horizontally  branched stem. The terminal inflorescence can have the form of a cyme.  The fertile flowers are hermaphroditic. Once the flowers are spent, they will simply fall off, giving way to attractive seedpods that persist into autumn. Felling foliage must be left in place so they can gather sunlight to nourish next year’s growth. When leaves die back in late autumn, they should be cut back to 2-3 cm above ground level. Propagation is done by division, removing offsets from the corm in spring. Crocosmia should be divided every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and to keep them vigorous.

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is not particular about soil, can survive in most moderately fertile soil types, including clay, chalk, sand and most pHs. It prefers humus rich, well drained, moist soil, but not waterlogged. Although it can tolerate partial shade, will thrive best in full sun. It can tolerate up to -15°C. temperature. Crocosmias are particularly susceptible to spider mites. Avoid an infestation by hosing the leaves down with a strong spray of water once or twice a week.

Use in Landscape: Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ adds foliar interest to gardens with its slender, sword-shaped leaves. It is ideal for the back of the border. Plant is frequently used in ‘hot colour’ planting scheme with vibrant dahlias, cannas, rudbeckias and all those perennials that glow in the late summer garden. Plant, blend well with ornamental grasses and are ideal for prairie-style borders. Tall still stemmed grasses also lend support to the Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’. If growing in a flower bed or border, plant should be planted in groups of 20 or more and corms planted, 3-5 cm deep and 20-30 cm apart.