Fiery Summer Colour with Pollinator Value
Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ is a vibrant, summer-flowering perennial selected for its rich colour, resilience and strong appeal to pollinators. From mid to late summer, it produces arching sprays of open, star-shaped flowers in glowing burnt orange, each marked with a distinctive deep red eye. Held above fans of upright, sword-like foliage, the blooms bring movement, warmth and energy to borders and naturalistic planting schemes.
While highly ornamental, Crocosmia also plays an important supporting role in biodiversity-focused gardens. Its open flowers are rich in nectar and easily accessible to bees, hoverflies and butterflies, making it a valuable food source during peak summer activity when consistent forage is essential.
Why We’ve Chosen Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
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High-Nectar Summer Flowers – Supports pollinators from July into August, a key feeding period.
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Open, Accessible Blooms – Well suited to a wide range of beneficial insects.
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Reliable & Robust – A long-lived perennial that returns and flowers strongly year after year.
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Low-Input Performer – Thrives in sun or light shade with minimal intervention once established.
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Adds Warmth & Structure – Ideal for mixed borders, wildlife gardens and informal meadow-style planting.
Biodiversity-Led Growing Tips
Plant corms in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position. Crocosmia copes well with dry spells once established and benefits from being planted in generous groups, which improves both visual impact and visibility to pollinators.
Allow flower stems to fully open before cutting to maximise nectar availability. In autumn, leave spent foliage in place until it naturally dies back, helping the plant store energy for the following year.
Did you know?
Brightly coloured summer flowers like Crocosmia are particularly attractive to pollinators, helping guide insects to nectar sources during periods of high competition in the garden.
Product Details
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Pack Size: 10 bulbs
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Flower Colour: Burnt orange with deep red centre
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Flowering Period: July–August
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Mature Height: Approx. 60 cm
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Planting Time: Spring
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Spacing: 10–15 cm apart
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Position: Sun or partial shade
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Soil: Well-drained
Please note: Toxic if ingested. May cause skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children.
A bold yet balanced choice, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ delivers reliable summer colour and meaningful pollinator support, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-aware gardens that don’t compromise on impact.
Use a Dibber for planting bulbs.