Re: Crocosmia (Montbretia)





Valerie Lowery@ZEON
08/20/98 09:04 AM

Barb,

I think this situation depends on the microclimate in your yard, the
location of the plant (is it next to a large structure or bush, or out in
the open?), and how brave you want to be.

Example:  in my neighborhood, we have people who never dig up their cannas,
which are not supposed to be winter-hardy in zone 6a.  Guess what?  They
come back EVERY year.  I've noticed that most of these are next to the
house or otherwise in a somewhat sheltered position.  But this is not the
case everytime.  There is a house that has a ring of elephant ears and
cannas around a light pole in the front yard (quite pretty with annual
impatients, I might add) that I know isn't dug up every year (the lady is
in her 80's, in poor health, and uses a walker).  Yet, it thrives and the
darn impatients actually reseed.  This is an extreme case, but fascinating
to know nonetheless.

Since you only spent $2.00 on your crocosmia, I would suggest that you try
leaving it out for the winter, making sure that you cover it with some type
of mulch.  If you're like me (and I think you are because you don't like to
give plants "special treatment") I'd let it fend for itself and chalk up
any losses to experience.  Less work on me in the long run and I have a
garden of happy plants instead of those that just sulk along.  If your
plant comes back, you'll know you have a "keeper."

Val in KY
zone 6a


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