Crocus biflorus subsp. adamii
Adam’s silvery crocus
A small, perennial corm with a tough, shell-like tunic, growing to 8cm tall with long, narrow, dark green leaves marked with a fine, central white stripe. In late winter to early spring, each corm produces up to four white or pale lilac, goblet-shaped flowers with purple stripes on the outside of the three outer petals
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Purple White | 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
- Balkan Pen. Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. See crocus cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by division of established clumps, by separating cormlets when dormant, or by seed sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to rodents and birds
Diseases
Generally disease-free, corms may rot in storage
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