Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora
(c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Rockefeller · licence
Family: Iridaceae · Type: Perennial · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora is a non-native California perennial in the Iridaceae family, recognized by Hybrid species and only Crocosmia naturalized in California, native to South Africa.
Montbretia is a naturalized perennial found in northern coastal California, San Francisco Bay, and southern coastal regions, commonly occurring in disturbed coastal areas and roadsides at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces vibrant orange-red flowers in showy clusters with perianth segments 2 to 5 centimeters long. Growing with arching stems up to one meter tall, it forms dense clumps with prominent sword-like leaves. Its long leaves reach 30 to 60 centimeters in length, with a striking prominent midvein and width of 1 to 2.5 centimeters. The plant spreads easily from garden waste, establishing itself in coastal and disturbed environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Hybrid species and only Crocosmia naturalized in California, native to South Africa
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Generally in disturbed coastal areas, roadsides, often from garden waste
Elevation: < 50 m
Outside California: alien in northwestern and southeastern North America, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Madagascar, South America
Bloom period
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Chasmanthe: Crocosmia's flower spikes arch gracefully; Chasmanthe has rigidly upright spikes.; vs Watsonia: Crocosmia has arching spikes with equal lobes; Watsonia has upright spikes with flowers in two strict rows.; vs Tecomaria: Crocosmia has iris-like sword leaves; Tecomaria has compound pinnate leaves and trumpet flowers.; vs Iris: Crocosmia has arching spikes of tubular flowers; Iris has large flowers with broad petal-like style branches.; vs Hemerocallis: Crocosmia has arching spikes and narrow leaves; Hemerocallis has strap-like leaves and lily-like flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora native to California?
No. Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora bloom?
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora belong to?
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora is in the Iridaceae family, genus Crocosmia.
Is Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora invasive in California?
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
What habitat does Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora grow in?
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora grows in Common. Generally in disturbed coastal areas, roadsides, often from garden waste.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.