Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000470
11/12/99

Crocus spp.


Height: 6 in Spacing: 3 in
Type: hardy bulb
Flowers: Blue, brown, purple, white, yellow (Vis. 2).

Comments: There are different types of crocus. Some of
the most common will be described in the cultivar listing.
Many species of crocus bloom early with the large flowered
Dutch crocus, C. vernus hybrids, blooming 10 days to 2
weeks later. Crocus likes a well-drained gritty soil and
a sunny location. The flowers do not open properly in
shade or partial shade. Where crocus are naturalized in
the lawn, delay mowing until the crocus foliage has
matured. Crocus are planted in early September. The
corms are planted 3 inches deep. If planted too deep they
fail to bloom.

Propagation: Divide when the foliage dies down. Remove
dead and decayed corms. Replant the corms again in
September.

Cultivars: The following list contains some of the more
common species of crocus.
C. ancyrensis - Yellow flowers are produced in clusters
of as many as 20 blossoms.
C. angustifolius - Orange to yellow flowers have purple
or brown stripes, naturalizes easily.
C. chrysanthus - Many varieties available in the full
range of colors, up to 8 flowers per bulb (Vis. 1).
C. kotschyanue - A fall flowering crocus bearing purple
flowers.
C. sativus - A fall flowering crocus with purple or
white flowers. It is the source of the saffron used
in cooking.
C. sieberi - One of the earliest to bloom with purple
and yellow flowers.
C. speciosus - Purple and white flowers are borne in
the fall. Grows best when planted in shade.
C. tomasinianus - An easily grown species with purple
flowers.
C. vernus - The hybrids of this species provide the
large flowered types most often grown by gardeners.

References for Cultivars: North Central Regional Extension
Publication 399.


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