Montbretia

Common name: Montbretia
Botanical name: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
Management category: Advisory

Originally from Africa and tropical South America. It was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental species and was recorded as naturalised in 1935.

Why is it a pest?

• Corms and rhizomes multiply rapidly and competes with ground cover species and small shrubs.
• Prevents the establishment of native seedlings, especially low-growing species in riparian margins.
• Tolerates shade, frost and dry conditions.

Where is it found?

• Most low-growing habitats or disturbed sites (particularly forestry), open shrubland, open or disturbed forests, stream margins, shot tussock and wetlands.
• Spreads through soil movement (road graders, fill), vegetation dumping and water movement spreads this weed from roadsides, slips, wasteland and exotic plantations.

What does it look like?

• Stiff, leafy, clump forming evergreen perennial with underground rhizomes.
• Flattened, light brown corms that have a fibrous cover and form (3+) clusters at the stem base.
• Firm, sword-shaped leaves rise from the base and are erect to curving above with a conspicuous mid-vein.
• Flowerheads are tall, zig-zag shaped and solitary, orange or crimson in colour (January to February) and develop into three-sided seed capsules that are reddish-brown and flat to triangular.

What are the rules?

Advisory

Council does not enforce the control of advisory species. It is landowner/occupier responsibility to manage these pests. Council may provide advice on how to manage or control advisory species if required.

How do you get rid of it?

• Dig out (small sites) – dispose by incineration or at transfer station.
• Spraying (when in full leaf).

CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and directions for the purchase, use and storage of the product, are followed and adhered to.

Read more on pest control advice, information and regulations.