Orange Pekoe Crocosmia

Crocosmia 'Pek Or'

Nature Hills Nursery

Bi-Color Orange Blooms with Golden Yellow Throats Attract Hummingbirds All Summer Long
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$39⁶⁷

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for full sun, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light every day. While they can survive in partial shade, you will see fewer flowers and the stems may lean or flop while searching for more light.
Soil: These plants require rich, well-drained soil to prevent the underground corms from rotting. If you deal with heavy clay, mix in several inches of organic compost or fine wood chips to create a loose environment where water can move freely.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to ensure the root system establishes properly. Once mature, Orange Pekoe is quite drought-tolerant, but you should still provide supplemental water during the peak of summer heat. Inconsistent moisture often results in scorched leaf tips and shorter bloom cycles, so think of steady watering as the key to keeping the foliage lush.

Pruning Tips

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia blooms on new wood, so you should leave the foliage intact through the winter to protect the crown from the cold. In late winter or early spring, cut the dead leaves back to about 2 inches above the ground to make room for fresh growth. This annual cleanup act acts like a reset button for the plant, ensuring that old, tattered leaves do not shade out the new emerging shoots.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as you see the first green spears poking through the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season because they encourage soft, leafy growth that is more susceptible to pests and flopping. A single application of a general-purpose garden food provides the necessary phosphorus to support those tall, vibrant flower spikes.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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

Brighten Borders With Orange Pekoe Crocosmia

Bold bi-color orange spires, the Orange Pekoe Crocosmia (Crocosmia 'Pek Or') is a vibrant, hummingbird-magnet of a perennial that brings a tropical punch to temperate gardens! With blazing orange blooms streaked with golden yellow throats, this hybrid dazzles from mid to late summer just when many other flowers are taking a break.

Also aptly named Fire Lilies, Orange Pekoe is a fragrant variety, loved for both its flashy looks and its spicy scent that evokes summer warmth. This reblooming wonder is compact compared to some taller Crocosmia cousins, making it a fabulous choice for smaller spaces or containers.

Each perennial corm produces arching, 1-2 foot tall stems and fountains of narrow, sword-like leaves in fresh green tones, rising in fans that resemble miniature Gladiolus foliage. Flower stalks shoot up and sway above the foliage, showcasing rows of tubular blooms in sunset shades.

Key Features

Brilliant orange-gold flowers with yellow throats
Mid to late summer blooms, reblooming habit
Fragrant and excellent for cutting
Sword-like foliage for texture and form
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Compact growth, great for containers
Deer and rabbit-resistant

Landscaping Uses

With its cheerful presence and relaxed form, it fits beautifully in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and cutting gardens alike. It's deer and rabbit-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and well-adapted to hot, sunny borders and containers alike. These radiant blossoms not only attract pollinators but also make exceptional cut flowers.

This cheerful bulb-like perennials grow in an upright, arching clump 1-2 feet tall and wide. The amount of texture and color they provide your landscape is incredible! While it doesn't have fall color to note, its drying seed heads add a bit of interest late in the season and can be left for winter structure or clipped back for tidiness.

Bright focal point in borders or along walkways
Adds vertical flair in mixed beds
Perfect in mass plantings or drifts for a naturalistic effect
Stunning in container displays
Fantastic addition to pollinator or hummingbird gardens!
Excellent for cut flower arrangements

Care and Maintenance

Native to South Africa, Crocosmia is part of the Iris family and thrives in Zones 5-9, with the right protection in colder areas. Orange Pekoe is a garden hybrid that's gained a fan club for its bright blooms and ease of care.

This is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial with a high tolerance for heat and occasional dryness once established.

Planting Time: Spring is the best planting time for these summer-flowering corms
Sun Needs: Full sun to light afternoon shade in hot zones
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or loamy soils, does not like heavy clay or soggy spots
Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture when young, then quite drought tolerant
Arborist Mulch: Use a 3-4 inch deep layer of bark mulch or compost-rich mulch to retain moisture and protect in winter in colder zones
Fertilization Needs: Feed lightly in spring with a balanced flower fertilizer
Pruning Info: Remove spent bloom stalks and deadhead to encourage more flowers
Renewal Pruning: Cut back spent foliage in late fall or early spring
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Deer and rabbit-resistant
Attracts hummingbirds
Drought and heat tolerant
Divide clumps every 3-4 years for best bloom
Corms may need lifting in Zone 5 after frost; replant in spring

Wands of Fire For Your Garden!

If you love vivid color and carefree blooms, Orange Pekoe is the garden version of a spicy summer tea—warming, invigorating, and totally satisfying. Whether you're building out a pollinator patch or just want some zest in a sun-drenched corner, this Crocosmia won't let you down.

Order today, and Nature Hills will deliver your bulb plants at the ideal planting time for your growing zone.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Orange Pekoe Crocosmia hardy in my zone (e.g., zone 5 or 6)?

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia is typically hardy in zones 6-9, though it may survive zone 5 with heavy mulch protection. In colder zones, treat the corms like gladiolus bulbs and lift them after the first frost for winter storage indoors.

What is the mature height and size of Orange Pekoe Crocosmia?

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia forms compact clumps 1-2 feet tall and wide with arching stems. This makes it perfect for smaller gardens and containers where taller varieties might overwhelm. Shop at Nature Hills for this space-efficient bloomer.

How do I plant Orange Pekoe Crocosmia corms – depth and timing?

Plant Orange Pekoe Crocosmia corms 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart in spring after the last frost. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water regularly the first season to establish, then enjoy their drought tolerance and reliable summer blooms.

What type of soil does Orange Pekoe Crocosmia need, and how do I ensure good drainage?

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates various soil types once established. Plant in loose, amended soil or raised beds to prevent waterlogged conditions that can rot the corms. Add compost or coarse sand to heavy clay soils for better drainage.

How much water does Orange Pekoe Crocosmia need, and what about overwatering risks?

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia is drought-tolerant once established and prefers moderate watering during its growing season. Overwatering can cause corm rot, so ensure well-draining soil and let it dry between waterings. Water regularly the first year, then reduce frequency as this reliable perennial available at naturehills.com becomes established.

Are the Orange Pekoe Crocosmia corms shipped fresh, or do they dry out in packages?

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia corms are shipped fresh and ready to plant, not dried out. These perennial corms maintain their viability during shipping and establish quickly once planted. Plant them as soon as possible after receiving for best results.

Will Orange Pekoe Crocosmia corms bought late in the season still perform well?

Orange Pekoe Crocosmia corms planted late in the season will still establish and bloom the following mid to late summer. Late plantings may produce smaller first-year displays but will develop into full 1-2 foot clumps with proper care. Plant immediately and mulch well for winter protection.