Lucifer Crocosmia

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

Nature Hills Nursery

Scarlet-Red Tubular Flowers on Arching Stems Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies All Summer
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Showy Red Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Pollinator Gardens

$31⁰⁷

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. While it can handle light afternoon shade in the hottest climates, too much shade results in floppy stems and fewer of those signature scarlet blooms.
Soil: These bulbs prefer rich, well drained soil that stays moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or peat moss to improve drainage and prevent the corms from rotting during the winter.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about 1 inch of water per week to help the root system settle in. Once mature, Lucifer Crocosmia is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the heat of summer can lead to scorched leaf tips and a shorter flowering window. Aim to keep the soil consistently damp like a wrung out sponge during the peak blooming months.

Pruning Tips

This plant blooms on new wood, so you should leave the foliage alone until it turns completely brown and dies back naturally in late autumn or early winter. Cutting the green leaves too early prevents the plant from storing energy in the corm for next year’s growth. Think of the fading foliage as a battery charger that needs to finish its cycle before you tidy up the garden bed.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new green shoots begin to emerge from the ground. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in mid to late summer because they encourage lush leaf growth at the expense of flowers and can make the plant more susceptible to winter damage. A single application of a 10-10-10 formula provides all the fuel needed for a spectacular midsummer display.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Deer-resistant, Flowering, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts pollinators, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Red
Botanical Name	Crocosmia 'Lucifer'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Lucifer
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Don't let the name fool you. This is one gorgeous plant! Brilliantly hot scarlet-red, the Lucifer Crocosmia (Crocosmia 'Lucifer') blooms in summer with brilliant scarlet-red flowers on arching stems! Resembling bigger and bolder versions of Freesia when in bloom, the sword-like foliage adds texture and architectural interest to the garden bed and border!

Lucifer attracts butterflies and Hummingbirds. What a show for you to watch! With a mature height of 30-36 inches tall, you will want to plant them toward the back of your garden. Add shorter plants in front to add a natural look and feel to your home. Your neighbors will stop and ask what that beautiful red plant is in the back!

You'll enjoy the saffron scent of the blooms! Be patient, Crocosmia may not bloom the first season, especially in colder zones, but are reliable perennials. Once established will reward you with spectacular blooms all summer long. You won't have to worry about deer or rabbits much as they tend to leave this plant alone.

Planting and Application:

This plant grows well in your garden, and containers and makes gorgeous cut flowers. While planted in your garden they will multiply and naturalize themselves each year! Growing tall and spreading wide in time, these bulbs thrive in 5 through 9. Create groupings in your garden beds to maximize the brilliant color of these blooms and the upright effect of the foliage.

These blooms are a favorite color of bees and hummingbirds, so add to a naturalized pollinator border and cut flower garden so all can enjoy the vibrant color! Spice up a large planter and mixed container with these upright bulbs. They look great with Ti Plants, Dracaena, Ginger, and other tropical plants as nicely as they mingle with Roses and non-tropical perennials. Add to Rock Gardens and poolside gardens!

Brilliant Red Blooms
Upright Green Foliage
Spring-Planted Summer Bulbs
Colonizing Clumping Growth
Beds & Borders, Containers & Cut Flower Gardens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Crocosmia Lucifer will do best in rich, moisture-retentive soils in full sun or partial shade. Cover with mulch to insulate in winter in USDA growing zones 5-6. These plants need moderate moisture and well-drained locations that never get soggy. Since this is a tropical plant the best time to plant your bulbs is in the spring/summer when there is no danger of frost and your ground temperature has reached 55°F.

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture Needs
Well-Drained Soil of Moist Kinds
Prune After Foliage Yellows
Appreciates Mulched Beds & Moderate Fertility

Red hot garden blooms and unique form, the Lucifer Crocosmia bulb plant will light a fire in your garden! Get ready to design your summer garden with beautiful plants from our experts at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Gardener

Beautiful plant. True, Humming birds did visit when flowers in bloom (approx 2 weeks). Does not bloom all summer, but Reed like foliage lovely. Untrue: DEFINITELY apply deer resistant spray on flowers, last year age every blossom - not this year!!! Price very high!

Dear V.H.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful feedback. We're delighted to hear that your plant’s reed-like foliage brings you joy, and that hummingbirds graced your garden during its beautiful bloom period!

We appreciate your note about the limited blooming season and completely understand that a longer floral display is something many gardeners hope for. While the bloom period may be short relative to other plants, this variety’s unique textures and visits from hummingbirds offer a special charm throughout. Regarding the deer resistance, it is good to know that applying the spray effectively protected your flowers this year—that’s great insight for other nature-lovers managing deer in their spaces.

About pricing, we continually strive to balance premium quality and plant health with affordability. Please know that every plant we provide undergoes rigorous quality checks before shipping direct to your doorstep for optimum growth and longevity.

If you want assistance in selecting additional plants with extended blooming seasons or deer resistance, or help on application tips for protective sprays, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We love supporting your gardening journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

So far- good!

So far, so good. It was gorgeous upon arrival but the S. Carolina sun is baking it for sure. The deer promptly ate the blossoms but didn't much care for the foliage, but they keep trying! Maybe they don't communicate well! Anyway there are new leaves coming up and it's doing okay. We will have to cage it when blossoms begin in the future. Very healthy plant & well packaged

Hi Sandra, Thank you for your review. We know how exciting it is to see blooms on your flowers yet how disappointing it can be when the deers come by for lunch! Another suggestion to help keep the deers at bay would be a deer repellent spray. There are many different ones on the market made from natural materials that don't harm your flowers. We hope you, the deer, and the flowers may all co-exist and continue to flourish! Thank you - Nature Hills Customer Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Are crocosmia perennials?

Yes, crocosmia are reliable perennials that thrive in zones 5-9. While they may not bloom the first season in colder areas, established plants will reward you with spectacular blooms all summer long. Plant them in spring for best results and allow time for the bulbs to settle in.

How to plant crocosmia lucifer bulbs?

Plant Lucifer Crocosmia bulbs in spring, 4-6 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart in well-draining soil. They thrive in zones 5-9 and prefer full sun to partial shade. Create groupings for maximum impact and place toward the back of borders since they reach 30-36 inches tall. Shop quality bulbs at naturehills.com.

Does Lucifer Crocosmia prefer full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Lucifer Crocosmia thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun producing the most vibrant blooms and strongest stems. In zones 5-9, it tolerates some afternoon shade but may have reduced flowering. Plant in a sunny location for best performance and maximum butterfly and hummingbird attraction.

Is Lucifer Crocosmia deer resistant?

Yes, Lucifer Crocosmia is deer resistant and rabbits tend to avoid it as well. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a problem. Plant in groups in zones 5-9 for best impact and natural deer deterrence.

What size container will my Lucifer Crocosmia arrive in when shipped?

Lucifer Crocosmia bulbs typically ship in small containers or as bare bulbs, depending on the season and availability. These summer-blooming bulbs establish quickly once planted and will reach 30-36 inches tall. Check the specific container size listed on the product page at naturehills.com before ordering.

Can Lucifer Crocosmia be safely shipped during winter months?

Lucifer Crocosmia bulbs can be safely shipped during winter months when dormant. As hardy perennials in zones 5-9, the bulbs tolerate cold temperatures during shipping and storage. Plant them in spring after your last frost date for summer blooms.

Lucifer Crocosmia

Crocosmia 'Lucifer'