Coppertips (Crocosmia): A Gorgeous But Controversial Garden Flower

Few summer blooms make as dramatic a statement as Coppertips (Crocosmia). Their fiery red, orange and yellow flowers create stunning vertical interest in gardens, but these showstoppers come with a serious caveat that every gardener should know.

The Allure of Coppertips

These South African natives certainly have appealing qualities:

• Vibrant, torch-like blooms from midsummer to fall
• Excellent cut flowers that last well in arrangements
• Drought tolerance once established
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

Their sword-shaped foliage and arching stems lined with tubular flowers create a tropical effect that's particularly striking in summer borders.

The Invasive Reality

Many gardening experts now caution against planting Coppertips because:

1. They Spread Aggressively

• Corms multiply rapidly underground
• Can quickly overtake garden beds
• Spread into natural areas in mild climates

2. They're Difficult to Remove

• Small corms break off when digging
• Any remaining corms regrow
• May require years of persistent removal

3. They Outcompete Native Plants

• Establish dense colonies
• Reduce biodiversity
• Particularly problematic in Pacific Northwest and UK

Responsible Alternatives

If you love the look but want to avoid invasiveness, consider:

1. Containment Strategies

• Grow in containers only
• Use root barriers in ground plantings
• Regular division to control spread

2. Similar But Well-Behaved Plants

• Kniphofia (Red Hot Pokers)
• Hesperaloe parviflora (Red Yucca)
• Schizostylis (Crimson Flag Lily)
• Belamcanda chinensis (Blackberry Lily)

3. Artificial Options
For those who want the look without any risk:

• High-quality silk arrangements
• Botanical art featuring Coppertips
• Crafted metal garden sculptures

If You Already Have Them

For existing Coppertips plantings:

• Deadhead religiously to prevent seeding
• Divide clumps annually in spring
• Never share plants or dispose in compost
• Consider complete removal if near natural areas

The Bottom Line

While Coppertips are undoubtedly beautiful, their invasive tendencies make them a poor choice for most gardens. There are many equally stunning alternatives that won't threaten local ecosystems. As gardeners, we have a responsibility to choose plants that enhance rather than harm our environment.

Have you dealt with Coppertips in your garden? Share your experiences in the comments!