Zigzag crocosmia is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial member of the iris family (Iridaceae). The species is native to South Africa, where it grows on moist, rocky and grassy slopes, and forest edges. The species epithet is Latin for “pannicle” and describes the branched inflorescence. The species grows in full sun or partial shade. It prefers continuously moist, humus-rich soil. Although cold-hardy, it is not likely to withstand freezing temperatures. If grown in cold climates, the corms can be lifted for the winter, or a layer of mulch can be applied to protect the corms from freezing. It arises from a corm that will feature crimped basal olive green leaves and showy zigzag red spikes of flowers. The flowers appear alternately along the stalks. Division can be accomplished after dieback occurs following its bloom period, or in the early spring before growth starts. Cut back the faded foliage in the fall or early spring. Use Zigzag crocosmia in herbaceous borders in children’s, butterfly, or cutting gardens. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Regions with hot, dry summers will subject the plant to foliage damage from the glasshouse red spider mite. Somewhat slow to reach maturity, it can take up to three years. More information on Crocosmia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Often confused withCrocosmia 'Lucifer'Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
Zigzag, outward arching spikes with two rows of 10-22 flowers on the upper side. Flowers are two-lipped. It has green bracts that turn reddish-brown. The flowers are orange to red with unequal tubular petals.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
> 3 inches long
Fruit detail
Capsules 6" long
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Relatively thick with 2-5 branches that are sometimes also branched.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Tropical and eastern South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini
Wildlife value
Attracts birds that pollinate and spread the seed as well as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Hummingbirds
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators; Colorful; Easy to Grow