Orange Pekoe Crocosmia

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.

These cheerful bulb-like perennials grow in an upright, arching clump 1-2 feet tall and wide. The amount of texture and color they provide to 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.

1. Planting Time: Spring is the best planting time for these summer-flowering corms
2. Sun Needs: Full sun to light afternoon shade in hot zones
3. Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or loamy soils, does not like heavy clay or soggy spots
4. Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture when young, then quite drought-tolerant
5. 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
6. Fertilization Needs: Feed lightly in spring with a balanced flower fertilizer
7. Pruning Info: Remove spent bloom stalks and deadhead to encourage more flowers
8. Renewal Pruning: Cut back spent foliage in late fall or early spring
9. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Orange Pekoe Crocosmia invasive?
No, it's a hybrid that is clump-forming and does not spread aggressively like some older Crocosmia species.

Does Orange Pekoe Crocosmia need staking?
Not usually, its compact form and sturdy stems hold up well, even in breezy areas.

Will it rebloom in the same season?
Yes, with deadheading and good care, Orange Pekoe can rebloom during its summer season.

Can I grow Crocosmia in containers?
Absolutely! Use a large container with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.

Is Crocosmia deer-resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid it thanks to its mildly bitter foliage.

What does Crocosmia mean?
The name means “saffron smell” in Greek, referring to the scent the dried leaves give off when placed in hot water, much like a tea!