Montbretia (*Crocosmia crocosmiiflora*) is a hybrid flowering plant native to France. The Latin name *Crocosmia crocosmiiflora* is derived from the Greek word "*krokus*" (saffron) and "*osme*" (smell). This plant's dried flowers smell of saffron when hot water is added to them.

Montbretia 'Emily Mckenzie' proudly displays a fiery blend of orange and red flowers, each with a distinctive mahogany throat, along pendulous stems. These vibrant blossoms stand atop sword-shaped green foliage in mid to late summer. A hardy perennial with a clumping habit, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, typically reaching 60-70 cm in height, drawing pollinators to its nectar-rich blooms. Intolerant of heavy, wet soils, montbretia 'Emily Mckenzie' flourishes in well-drained conditions, echoing its South African origins.

The montbretia 'George Davison' variety of montbretia is notable for its brightly colored orange buds that become blooms of yellow flowers about 8 cm across. The variety grows to about 76 cm tall. Gardeners like the plant for its bright, showy flowers that attract pollinators.

Montbretia 'Carmin Brillant' creates a bright statement in any garden, with its wealth of carmine-pink blooms — hence the name — embellished with yellow throats. It is one of 150 cultivars of Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora, and is prized for its ability to stay colorful even late in the season. This Montbretia won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Montbretia 'Mistral' is a vivid perennial with arching sprays of funnel-shaped, fiery orange to red flowers. It blooms in mid-to-late summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and favors well-drained soil. Its sword-shaped leaves and tall flower spikes add vertical interest to mixed borders and provide striking cut flowers.

Montbretia 'Lucifer' is one of the hardiest montbretia or crocosmia cultivars. It is enjoyed both for its flowers and for its tall, swordlike foliage, which provides significant vertical interest in the garden. In a container or border, it will provide a strong contrast to dark green backdrop plants. It is deer and drought-tolerant and also suitable for cut flowers.

The montbretia 'Meteore' dazzles with vivid, star-shaped orange blossoms arrayed along arching stems. A fiery display peaks in the warmth of midsummer, set against sword-like green foliage. Attracting bees and hummingbirds, montbretia 'Meteore' thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, embodying the vigor of its South African origins within temperate gardens.

Giant montbretia displays a fiery burst of trumpet-shaped flowers in radiant orange-red hues, gracefully arching on wiry stems that can reach up to 2 feet tall. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it flourishes in well-drained soils, adding vibrance to midsummer gardens. Sword-like green foliage contrasts with the blossoms, evoking the wild beauty of South African grasslands, its native habitat.

The fiery 'Emberglow' ignites the garden with its arching sprays of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, each a vivid red-orange. These blossoms, set against sword-like green foliage, create a sizzling display from mid to late summer. Montbretia 'Emberglow' thrives in full sun to partial shade, its robust clumps multiplying in well-drained soil, and adds a tropical flair to borders or as a striking cut flower.

Montbretia 'Lucifer' is an enchanting perennial known for its vibrant, fiery-red flowers and slender, arching stems. This captivating plant, which typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet, adds a touch of drama to any garden. Its showy blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes. 'Lucifer' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Interestingly, this plant gets its name from the Greek word 'krokos,' meaning saffron, due to its resemblance to the vibrant color of the spice. Additionally, Crocosmia 'Lucifer' is not only resistant to deer but also makes for stunning cut flowers, perfect for vibrant floral arrangements.

Aunt eliza stands out with its showy, reddish-orange flowers arranged in branched, curved inflorescences reminiscent of falling fireworks. The sword-like, erect green leaves lend a striking vertical accent. Thriving in sun-soaked, well-drained soils, aunt eliza brings a bold splash of color to gardens, often attracting hummingbirds and butterflies seeking its rich nectar.