Can you identify this flower?

[RunnerKim]

I'm hoping someone knows the name of this flower - it grows in our front yard and just started blooming.

http://www.wierhere.net/portland/images/Gallery/Summer06Flowers/LittleRedFlowers2.jpg


They grow on long stems like this
http://www.wierhere.net/portland/images/Gallery/Summer06Flowers/LittleRedFlowersStem.jpg

Thanks,
Kim

[Middydd]

It looks just like a freesia. They don't grow in gardens around here, I've only seen them in florists but your flower sure looks like one.

They usually have a very pretty scent.

[PeachPie]

That's crocosmia. Isn't it pretty? I had some at my old house and loved it. I think it is a bulb plant.

[bobmark226]

That's crocosmia. Isn't it pretty? I had some at my old house and loved it. I think it is a bulb plant.

It grows from a corm. Got some coming up now here too.

Bob

[Terri_A]

So here's what I found about them....and for the record - beautiful!

http://www.flowers.org.uk/images/flowers/crocosmia_big2.jpg

Name: The name name 'Crocosmia' comes from the Latin 'croceus' meaning saffron coloured (ie golden orange). Often called Montbretia as well.

Description: Crocosmia are rich orange tube shaped flowers arranged around a central axis with little clusters of flowers that branch out into a typical freesia-like flower spike.

Origin: Crocosmia originate from South Africa.

Colour: Fiery yellow, orange, red and tan colours.

Availability: Main season June to September

Care Tips: Crocosmia must not be left out of water too long, or else their
colourful orange flowers will soon fade. Cut the end of the stems at an angle and place them in lukewarm water containing cut flower food.

[RunnerKim]

Thank you! I wanted to title my photo correctly.

Bob - what's a corm???

Kim

[bobmark226]

From the web:

Corms

Corms look a lot like bulbs on the outside but they are quite different. They have the same type of protective covering and a basal plate like the bulb does, but do not grow in layers. Instead the corm is the actual base for the flower stem and has a solid texture. As the flower grows, the corm actually shrivels as the nutrients are used up. Essentially the corm dies, but it does produce new corms right next to or above the dead corm, which is why the flowers come back year after year. Depending on the type of flower, it may take a couple years to reach blooming size.

Examples of Corms - Crocus, Gladiolus, Tuberous Begonias

[Terri_A]

Not to hijack the thread, but I'm wondering if corms need to freeze before they'll bloom again like bulbs? I don't plant any bulb plants b/c here in Houston you have to dig up the bulb, put in the freezer then replant after Christmas, so it's quite cumbersome. Would I need to do the same with a corm?

[RunnerKim]

Interesting about the croms...so if I wanted to transplant some, then I'd need to do it when there was a plant above ground and re-plant (i.e., now or earlier in the spring)????

We're a fairly temperate climate in Portland - I wouldn't know for sure whether the ground actually freezes or not (it's pretty rare to have day below freezing - but maybe at night??)... and we have gotten these every year and I certainly haven't dug them up. I don't hear of people digging up their bulbs though either - so maybe we do freeze...

Helpful, aren't I.

Kim

[Julia1Pin]

Kim - You should really start entering photo contests. You have a great eye.

[oceanjasper]

I hope you don't mind me hijacking this thread, but I thought some of you flower people might know what kind of flower this is. I took a picture of it when I was in Italy, so there is a slight chance that it doesn't grow over here, but you never know. I just love it! Thanks in advance!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid209/pab4099cd6da2a5ae123e738b384ba47d/ee3693a8.jpg

[oceanjasper]

Kim - You should really start entering photo contests. You have a great eye.

Wow. I actually didn't realize that you had taken those photos yourself. They are really beautiful.

[rosen]

oceanjasper: that is a pic of Lantana. Not sure which hybrid this is a pic of. I love the multi-colored ones. I have several named "confetti" & "rainbow" in pots around our zone 7 yard. It is an annual that loves full sun & hot temps. Don't know if it does well in your area. Lots of different colors to choose from & they like to mound & then trail. Great for pots & windowboxes in hot spots. I'm sure they were lovely in Italy!

[RunnerKim]

Thanks Julia & Oceanjasper. I was pleased with them myself (hence why I wanted the official name for the flowers).

Kim

[oceanjasper]

oceanjasper: that is a pic of Lantana. Not sure which hybrid this is a pic of. I love the multi-colored ones. I have several named "confetti" & "rainbow" in pots around our zone 7 yard. It is an annual that loves full sun & hot temps. Don't know if it does well in your area. Lots of different colors to choose from & they like to mound & then trail. Great for pots & windowboxes in hot spots. I'm sure they were lovely in Italy!

Thank you, rosen! I don't really have anywhere to plant one right now (if it would actually grow here!), but I really wanted to know what it was.