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 | Crocus refers
to a genus of several dozen species of small clump-forming perennials
that have their origins in many different Zone 3 regions from southern
Europe to China. They are most noted for being some of the very
earliest spring flowers. Crocus have
since been cultivated into a wide variety of hybrids, most developed in
Holland. |
Crocus are most impressive when planted en mass. Pick out a large sunny
area in the garden, lawn, or a wild area (rocky spots are great). Plant
large drifts using groupings of 20-30 bulbs spaced about 3-4” apart. Crocus are
ideal for this kind of naturalizing. Many varieties will thrive and
bloom for upwards of 20 years! In the lawn, crocus are
finished for the season. Established crocus clumps
bloom earlier than first-year plantings, so avoid planning your garden
colours around first-year bloom times.
Crocus are easy
to grow! Plant your crocus in
the Fall in large drifts anywhere you have sun to partial shade. Place
bulbs 3-6” deep and space them about 3-4” apart. Crocus require
almost no care and are hardy in zones 4-8. If your crocus seem
to perform poorly, the most likely reason is over-watering in the
summer. Crocus prefer
their soil damper in the spring and fall, but dry and warm during the
summer. Never plant crocus near
summer annuals or other water-hungry summer blooms. As you give the
annuals the water they need, you will be “drowning” the crocus and
shortening their life. Excellent companion plants for crocus include
flowering quince, forsythia, Asian jasmine, and witch hazel.
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How To: Tips & Growing Instructions: Crocus
