Crocosmia Bressingham Beacon

(=‘Blos’) Cousins to the gladiola, these are hardy plants that produce clumps of green sword-shaped leaves, with tall, arching spikes of funnel-shaped blossoms appearing in mid to late summer. Several named varieties are now available, in a range of hot colors. This selection produces large bicolored flowers of orange and yellow, on dark stems. Outstanding cut flowers. Clumps should be divided every three years, in spring. Watch for spider mite and thrips on the foliage. In colder regions, the corms can be stored like gladioli, wintered in pots, or mulched heavily outdoors.