Bulbs

Crocus
crocus

- Height 2-5 in (5-13 cm)
- Planting distance 3-4 in (7.5-10 cm)
- Flowers late winter to early spring; also fall
- Any well-drained soil
- Full sun or dappled shade
- Corms available midsummer for fall flowering and fall for spring flowering
- Hardy zones 3-8

Crocuses come from the mountainous regions of southern and eastern Europe, so they are remarkably hardy. In gardens they provide some of the earliest spring color, though there are also several fall-flowering species. Most species stand about 3 in (7.5 cm) high - the Dutch hybrids are slightly taller at 4-5 in (10-13 cm). The flower colors vary greatly, with shades of yellow, blue, purple, lilac, and white. Some are only one color; others are bicolored or striped. All have thin green leaves, each with a faint white stripe. The leaves of spring-flowering crocuses appear with the flowers. Crocuses are able to thrive well in both sun and dappled shade. They make a fine addition to rock gardens and also look attractive when used as edging for flower or shrub borders. The more robust species of crocus are suitable for naturalizing in short grass, provided the grass is not mowed before the crocus leaves turn yellow in late spring. Try planting fall-flowering crocuses among low ground covers.

Popular species and cultivars
Crocus ancyrensis, often listed as
'Golden Bunch,' is 2 in (5 cm) high with rich yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. Crocus angustifolius stands 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) high and has star-shaped flowers that are bronze outside and yellow inside. They appear in February where winters are not too harsh. It is suitable for rock gardens, borders, and containers. Popular cultivars are 'Advance' (yellow and violet), 'Blue Bird' (violet and white), 'Blue Pearl' (blue and white), 'Cream Beauty' (cream), 'E. A. Bowles' (yellow with bronze base), 'Lady Killer' (purple and lilac-white), 'Princess Beatrix' (clear blue with yellow base), 'Prince Claus' (deep violet-blue flushed with white), 'Snowbunting' (white), and 'Zwanenburg Bronze' (garnet-brown and yellow). Crocus imperati, 3-4 in (7.5-10 cm) high, has flowers with buff outer petals, streaked purple, and bright purple satiny inner petals. It is an early-flowering species, appearing from late winter to very early spring. Crocus medius, 3 in (7.5 cm) high, has lightly scented lilac blooms with deep orange stigmas. Grow this fall-flowering species in a sunny spot. Crocus sieberi, 3 in (7.5 cm) high, has pale purple flowers with yellow bases in late winter and early spring. Two garden hybrids are 'Firefly' (vivid lilac-pink with orange stamens) and 'Violet queen' (violet-blue). Crocus speciosus, 4-5 in (10-13 cm) high, has bright lilac-blue flowers with yellow anthers and red stigmas, opening in midfall. This species multiplies freely, making it the most popular fall-flowering crocus. C. speciosus aitchisonii (pale lavender-blue) is a popular variety. A white form, 'Albus,' is sometimes available. Crocus tomasinianus has lilac flowers that appear in late winter, 3 in (7.5 cm) above ground. For a deeper purple, try 'Whitewell Purple.' it is one of the best crocuses for naturalizing in grass. Dutch hybrids, developed from the species Crocus vernus, have large robust flowers in an enormous range of colors. The goblet-shaped flowers stand about 4-5 in (10-13 cm) high and open in early spring. Plant them in rough grass or a border, where they will develop into dense clumps if left undisturbed. Cultivars are 'Enchantress' (pale blue), 'Jeanne d'Arc' (white), 'Pickwick (light lilac), 'Purpureus Grandiflorus' (purple-blue), 'Remembrance' (soft violet-blue), 'Striped Beauty' (white striped violet), 'Yellow Mammoth,' (golden yellow), and 'Queen of the Blues' (blue).

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