What A small genus of bulbous plants in the Iridaceae family, with brightly coloured flowers, usually red or orange, and upright, sword-shaped leaves. The eight species include C. aurea, C. pottsii, C. masoniorum and the semi-naturalised C. paniculata. They are commonly known as montbretia, falling stars and, in the USA, as coppertops.
Origins Southern and Eastern Africa.
Season Flowers between June and August, some lasting into September.
Size From 50cm to 1.8m tall.
Conditions Thrives in sunny situations in rich, well-drained soil.
Some are hardy throughout the UK, but others will need winter protection. Most have an RHS hardiness rating of H4-H5,
