Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ delivers bold, fiery colour just when your summer borders need a lift. With vivid orange petals marked by a central mahogany throat, her flowers arch elegantly along strong, wiry stems above sword-like green foliage. This mid- to late-summer bloomer adds drama, movement, and structure to mixed borders and makes a superb cut flower too.

Tough and easy to grow, ‘Emily McKenzie’ thrives in full sun or light shade and is well-suited to coastal, cottage, or naturalistic garden styles. She returns reliably each year and performs particularly well in the Isle of Wight’s mild, free-draining conditions.

Specifications:
• Height: 60–75cm
• Spread: 30–50cm
• Flowering: July to September
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained; prefers not to sit in winter wet
• Maintenance: Cut back dead foliage in autumn or early spring; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour

🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting:
Ideal for exposed coastal gardens or dry inland borders, ‘Emily McKenzie’ thrives in the island’s milder winters and sun-drenched summers. Ensure soil is free-draining to avoid bulb rot over winter.

🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range:
• • Achillea ‘Paprika’ – Hot-toned synergy and great for pollinators
• • Verbena bonariensis – Vertical movement and lightness alongside Crocosmia’s bold form
• • Stipa tenuissima ‘Ponytails’ – A soft foil for the upright flower stems
• • Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – Cool-toned ground cover to contrast the fiery orange
• • Salvia ‘Caradonna’ – Deep purple spikes for rich colour contrast

🌟 The Green Standard Tip:
Plant in bold groups for maximum visual impact and leave room for the elegant arching form to shine. Try interweaving grasses or airy perennials to bring softness and structure to the display.