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Montbretia
Environmental Weed
Botanical Name: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council Source: Weeds : Auld & Medd
Description
Originating from South Africa, Montbretia is an erect bulbous perennial up to 0.6m high. It dies down in autumn after flowering. Leaves appear in Spring. They are bright green, flat and spear shaped arising from base of plant.
A long spike of small orange to red tubular flowers. Each plant bears a string of flattened up to 14 or more corms under the ground. Each is capable of producing another plant.
Dispersal
Frequently dumped on bushland edges, and can be dispersed by the movement of soil containing corms. Corms are also washed downstream. Spreads vigorously by corm production.
Impact on bushland
Competes fiercely with and displaces creekline native plants. The mass of corms in the soil contributes to the breakdown of creek banks. Thrives on soil affected by stormwater runoff. Responsible for serious habitat loss.
Control
Manual:
- Hand pulling is not successful unless the soil is moist, as the leaves break away leaving the bulb in the ground
- Dig out deeply to remove all corms.
- Alternatively, leaves can be wiped with a neat glyphosate-based product.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Suggested alternatives
- Water ferns (Blechnum species)
- Saw-sedges (Gahnia species) to 2m
- Jabobean Lily (Sprekelia formossissima) 45cm
References
Weeds of Blue Mountains Bushland, Blue Mountains City Council and NPWS-Blue Mountains