A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Crocosmia Question

Hi there,
This is my first question on this site. Here goes:
OK, I took a gamble -- and lost. I'm renovating and I read that it's OK to split and transplant crocosmia. I was careful and moved them only a short distance, replanting within minutes and apologizing profusely for the inconvenience. I watered and fed a bit aftwards. However, I must have waited too long in the season, and the transplants now look like dried yellow palm fronds. Sadly, I must have blown it for this year's flowers, but I'm hoping someone will (PLEEEZE) tell me that they'll be back next year. Is there anything I can do to build these magnificant red beauties back up again?

Thanks in advance, kjr

You never really know until you try, even though the best time to transplant them is in early spring when they are first coming up or in the fall after they have bloomed. There's really nothing else you can do for them this year, but they should return next year just fine.

Oh, thanks for the encouraging reply! One more question: Should I leave the stalks alone even though they are yellowing and dried out or can I cut them back now?

Since they are already yellow and dry, go ahead and cut them back. However, next year, leave them up after they bloom (until fall or winter) so they can get energy to bloom the following year.

kjr

Dont panic.......YOu probably shocked them.
Transplanting and separating, shock some plants badly.. Give it time......

dodge

Thanks for the support. These babies are shocked to the max. The crocosmia I did NOT move are just beginning to blossom splendidly, and the visual contrast is downrght painful. Hopefully, I've learned my lesson, and the others will be forgiving in the long run. kjr

The best time to move crocosmia is late autumn or early spring. But be very careful that you dont break off the new shoots........
I have around 245 varieties of crocosmia and grow all mine in pots........ wonderful wonderful plants!! Have a look at my photos on my site..
http://www.simplesite.com/CROCOSMIA/
You will also find some tips too..
Hope its of some help for the future.
Mark