Crocus vernus
spring crocus
Aspring- to early-summer-flowering corm, good for naturalising in grass. Foliage is narrow and dark green, starting upright then spreading, and the goblet-shaped flowers may be white or shades of purple
Other common names
purple crocusSynonyms
Crocus pictus 'Pictus'Crocus albiflorus
see moreCrocus vernus subsp. vernus
Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Crocus are dwarf, deciduous perennials growing from a corm, with linear leaves usually with a silvery central stripe, and goblet-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers in autumn or early spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Alps to Carpath.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, planting 5-6cm deep in late summer or autumn. Suitable for naturalising in grass, see bulbs: naturalising. See crocus cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by division of clumps, or by separating cormlets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required, allow leaves to die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to rodents and birds
Diseases
Generally disease-free, corms may rot in storage
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.