Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants launched two new Crocosmia at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The new Firestars Series of Crocosmia has been developed by Paul Lewis, an amateur plant breeder and hybridiser, specialising in Crocosmia and Gladiolus on the Isle of Wight. Paul has spent the last 25 years breeding new varieties on his allotment and garden. His most notable success to-date has been Crocosmia ‘Paul’s Best Yellow’, which was recently awarded an RHS Award of Merit.
Rob and Rosy Hardy met Paul a number of years ago and introduced Paul to the commercial nursery Walter Bloms Plants in Holland. Walter Bloms have trialled several of Paul's new introductions selecting the best performers for launch as the new Firestars series.
Visitors to the Hardy's stand at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show were able to view a vibrant display of the new Crocosmia the yellow Firestars 'Hot Spot' and perhaps the most aptly named in the current UK heatwave – Firestars 'Scorchio'.
The new bi-coloured Crocosmia series feature bright shades of yellow through to orange and all share similar characteristics of arching, multi flowering stems, which emerge from late June through to July. The Firestars Series all form dense clumps which will reach around 80cm (32”) in height.
Crocosmia Firestars 'Firestarter'
Hardy's Cottage Garden PlantsPriory Lane Nursery
Freefolk Priors
Whitchurch
Hampshire
RG28 7FA
01256 896533
info@hardysplants.co.uk
www.hardysplants.co.uk