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Crocosmia has croaked it!

SparklepinksunflowerSparklepinksunflower Posts: 91
in Problem solving

my crocosmia has karked it? The original patch thats been there for about 4 years (due a divide) normally flowers profusly.

I've had about 3 flowers off it and the leaves started going brown long before it started to bud. Other plants in the garden are fine taken from the original dividings. Do you think its just too congested or do I have other problems?

Than

Posts

  • kate1123kate1123 Posts: 2,815

    I would definitely say it needs sorting, it is only the top corm that flowers. I pulled mine out last year, pulled off the lower corms and replanted some in other parts of the garden and I have had lots of lovely flowers this year. 

  • Jean GenieJean Genie Posts: 1,724

    I'm glad I read this post . Mine haven't flowered at all well this year and they've been in the ground much longer than Sunflower's . I thought about dividing them but as they are so old , I thought they may have run out of steam and then thought I would dig them out. Didn't know about only the top corms flowering so I'm going to try that.

    Thanks, Kate.

  • SparklepinksunflowerSparklepinksunflower Posts: 91

    whens best to do dig them up and sort them. I am worried as the leaves have gone so brown that they are not going to be able to store enough energy to go through the winter

  • kate1123kate1123 Posts: 2,815

    If it is not looking healthy I would dig it out now, at least you will be able to see what the problem is.

  • higgy50higgy50 Posts: 184

    Yes I agree, I would divide them now as in this country you can divide in Autumn or Spring. Cut the stems and leaves down to a few inches above ground, dig up and divide before replanting some of the healthier looking corms. They may also benefit from a little general fertilizer, I would then mulch them for the winter and I'm sure you'll have a good display again next year. They are generally really resilient and will bounce back following this sort of treatment usually.

    When you replant them keep in mind that they don't mind a slightly acidic soil so it might be worth mixing in some appropriate compost to the planting hole along with some grit for good drainage?

    Next year when the shoots start to appear fertilize again and then make sure that you keep them well watered. Although Crocosmias like good drainage they grow in an area which is actually quite wet so enjoy a moist soil also!!...

    Whenever I divide I also plant up a dozen pots as a back up but generally end up giving them away to friends!!...

    Hope this helps?

    Best

    Higgy

    http://higgysgardenproject.blogspot.co.uk/

     

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