Tecophilaea cyanocrocus
Chilean blue crocus
A cormous perennial to 10cm in height, with narrow greyish-green leaves and slender stems bearing solitary, erect, intense blue, white-centred, crocus-like flowers 3-4cm in width
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Tecophilaeaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Tecophilaea are cormous herbaceous perennials with linear-lance-shaped basal leaves and 1-2 funnel-shaped, vivid blue or violet, often white-throated flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, sandy soil in full sun; protect from frost. Or grow in a pot in an alpine house: plant 5cm deep in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and sharp sand; water in growing season but reduce watering as the leaves die down in summer
Propagation
Propagate by removing offsets in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.