Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Lucifer Crocosmia: Flame-Red Sprays Behind the Lavender
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Lucifer crocosmia brings a tropical look to northern gardens. From mid-July into August, wiry stems rise above fans of broad, pleated, sword-shaped leaves and arch outward at the top, each lined with a zigzag row of upward-facing, flame-red flowers. Introduced in 1966 and holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it is the classic red crocosmia and one of the hardiest and most vigorous.
Lucifer at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Crocosmia 'Lucifer' |
| Flowers | Brilliant flame red, funnel shaped, on arching sprays |
| Foliage | Broad, pleated, sword-shaped, bright medium green |
| Size | 36 to 42 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide |
| Bloom | Mid-July into August, peak early August |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | A hummingbird favorite; moderately deer resistant |
Red and purple, front and back
Lucifer is a bold partner for lavender. It likes the same full sun and drainage, and its flame-red sprays and spiky leaves make a hot, dramatic contrast with cool purple spikes. Plant it in groups toward the middle or back of the bed, with lavender in front, so the red hovers above the purple in midsummer.
One difference to plan around: Lucifer appreciates a bit more water than lavender while its flower stems develop. Set it at the back edge where a soaker hose or watering can reaches it without soaking the lavender crowns. Try the layout in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting the corms
- Depth: about 3 to 6 inches deep, with the deeper end better in colder gardens.
- Spacing: plant in groups or drifts for the best show.
- Soil: average and well drained. Corm rot in wet, heavy soil is the main risk.
- Water: keep soil evenly moist while flower stems develop and in dry spells.
- Pests: spider mites can mottle leaves in hot, dry weather.
Winter in Michigan
Leave the foliage until it yellows in fall, then cut it down. In zone 5, add a layer of mulch over the planting for winter and avoid spots that stay wet. Every few years, divide crowded clumps in spring to keep them flowering well.
The cutting garden bonus
Lucifer is rated excellent as a cut flower. Cut stems when the lowest buds open and they will keep opening in the vase for a long-lasting arrangement. The arching red sprays look striking with fresh lavender stems. Leave a few on the plant for the seed pods. The Cut Flower Planner can help you plan a cutting row.
Frequently asked questions
Do hummingbirds really come to it?
Yes. The tubular red flowers are a hummingbird favorite, and they visit often in midsummer.
Does it spread?
The clumps grow fuller over time from new corms. Divide them every few years to keep blooming strong.
How is it sold?
As a bare root plant of corms, best planted in spring. See the product page for current availability.
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