High Country Gardens
Lucifer Crocosmia
Best vibrant perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, hummingbird-friendly summer color.
The Lucifer Crocosmia offers brilliant scarlet-red blooms on arching stems, creating a stunning visual display from mid to late summer. These perennial corms, thriving in zones 5-9, are attractive to hummingbirds and excellent for cut flower arrangements. They naturalize readily, rewarding gardeners with spectacular blooms once established. Suitable for full or partial sun, they prefer rich, moisture-retentive soil and are resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a robust addition to any garden or container planting.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
/ Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking bold, high-impact vertical color
- Wildlife enthusiasts looking to attract hummingbirds
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting reliable, drought-tolerant perennials
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists who dislike messy, post-bloom garden cleanup
- Busy gardeners in cold climates avoiding extra winter chores
- Minimalists wanting plants that stay in one place
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Bold scarlet-red blooms provide an immediate focal point for summer gardens.
Wildlife Attraction
Arching stems act as a reliable magnet for local hummingbird populations.
Pest Resistance
Robust foliage effectively deters common garden visitors like deer and rabbits.
Naturalization Potential
Spreads reliably over time to create lush, established perennial displays.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and vibrant color make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Versatility
Thrives equally well in garden beds or managed container plantings.
Key Specs
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Flower Bulb Size
10-12 cm
Planting Depth
5-8 inches deep
Mature Height
30-36 inches tall
Spacing
6 bulbs per sq. ft.
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Water Tolerance
Low-Water
Non-GMO
No
Features
- Vibrant scarlet-red summer blooms
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Naturalizes over time
- Perennial in zones 5-9
- Suitable for containers
What customers say
Consumer sentiment for the Lucifer Crocosmia centers on its striking aesthetic and impressive reliability. Gardeners consistently praise the plant's vibrant, fiery red color, noting it provides a dramatic and dependable focal point. The key insight is its exceptional vigor; many buyers report successful establishment and reliable return year after year, confirming its hardiness. This plant delivers significant visual impact and trustworthy performance, making it a highly valued addition to perennial beds.
Know before you buy
In zone 5, Lucifer Crocosmia is borderline hardy. It is recommended to apply a thick layer of mulch over the planting site in late autumn to protect the corms from deep freezes, or lift and store them indoors if you experience particularly harsh winters.
These corms typically bloom in their first season, providing vibrant scarlet-red flowers from mid to late summer. As they naturalize and establish themselves over subsequent years, you can expect even more prolific displays.
Yes, they perform well in containers as long as the pot has excellent drainage and is deep enough to accommodate the 5-8 inch planting depth. Ensure the container is large enough to support the 30-36 inch mature height of the stems.
Lucifer Crocosmia is widely considered resistant to deer and rabbits, as they generally find the foliage and stems unpalatable. While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, these are a reliable choice for gardens prone to animal browsing.
They thrive in rich, moisture-retentive soil that drains well. While they are adaptable, avoiding waterlogged soil is key to preventing the corms from rotting during the dormant season.
For a lush, full look, space the bulbs at a density of 6 per square foot. This spacing allows the arching stems to create a cohesive, dramatic sweep of color in your garden beds.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17