Common Crocus Species: Fall And Spring Blooming Crocus Plant Varieties
We're all familiar with crocus flowers, those dependable, early spring favorites that dot the ground with bright jewel tones. However, you can also plant less familiar, fall blooming crocus to bring a bright spark to the garden after most other plants have finished blooming for the season.
Crocus Plant Varieties
For most gardeners, selecting crocus plant varieties from the vast array of selections is the most difficult thing about growing crocus-- and also the most fun.
Spring Blooming Crocus
According to the University of California Extension, gardeners can choose from approximately 50 different types of crocus bulbs in colors ranging from white or pale pink and lavender to more intense shades of showy blue-violet, purple, orange, pink, or ruby. Spring blooming crocus species include:
- Dutch Crocus (C. vernus). This species is the toughest crocus of all and is available nearly everywhere. It is available in a rainbow of colors, often marked with contrasting streaks or blotches.
- Scottish Crocus (C. bifloris) is a showy white flower with purple striped petals and yellow throats. Read the label carefully as some forms of Scottish Crocus bloom in autumn.
- Early Crocus (C. tommasinianus). For color soon after the first of each year, consider this crocus species. Often known as “Tommy,” this small variety displays star-shaped blooms of silvery bluish lavender.
- Golden Crocus (C. chrysanthus) is a delightful variety with sweet-scented, orange-yellow blooms. Hybrids are available in many colors, including pure white, pale blue, pale yellow, white with purple edges, or blue with yellow centers.
Fall Blooming Crocus
Some of the most common types of crocus for fall and early winter flowers include:
- Saffron crocus (C. sativus) is a fall bloomer that produces lilac blooms with bright orange-red, saffron-rich stigma. As an added bonus, you can remove the stigma as soon as the blooms open, then dry them for a few days and use the saffron for seasoning paella and other dishes.
- Cloth of Gold (C. angustifolius) is a popular early-winter bloomer that produces star-shaped, orange-gold flowers with a deep brown stripe running down the center of each petal.
- C. pulchellus produces pale lilac blooms, each with a yellow throat and contrasting veins of deep purple.
- Bieberstein's crocus (C. speciosus). With its flashy, bluish violet blooms, is probably the flashiest autumn-blooming crocus. This species, which increases quickly, is also available in mauve and lavender.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Crocus Bulb Storage: Learn How To Cure Crocus Bulbs
If you choose to remove the bulbs until the next growing season, it is important to know when to dig up crocus bulbs. Learn how to cure crocus bulbs in the article that follows. Click here for more information.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Are Crocus Offsets: How To Dig Up Crocus Bulbs For Propagation
Crocuses are some of the first flowers to poke their heads through the soil in early spring. Propagating crocus bulbs from division is an easy method of multiplying these enchanting flowers, and this article will help.
By Gardening Know How
-
Crocus Planting Tips: Learn When To Plant Crocus Bulbs
Crocuses are the first bright surprise in early spring. In order to get the cheery flowers, you have to plant some corms at the right time of the year. You need to know when to plant crocus. Read here for important crocus planting tips.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
My Crocus Won't Flower: Reasons For A Crocus Not Blooming
You did everything right. You planted the corms in fall, fluffed up the soil, and fertilized the root zone but there are no blooms on your crocus. There are several reasons for a crocus not blooming. Learn what they are in this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Crocus In Lawns: Tips For Growing Crocus In The Yard
Early-spring crocus have much to offer and they needn't be restricted to the flower bed. Just imagine a lawn filled with these blooms. If you're thinking about growing crocus in the yard, there are several things to consider. This article will help.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Crocus Winter Flowering: Learn About Crocus In Snow And Cold
Crocus winter flowering happens in temperate regions. It is not uncommon to see their white, yellow and purple heads surrounded by late snow. Will snow hurt crocus blooms? This article explains more about crocus cold hardiness.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is Autumn Crocus: Growing Information And Care Of Autumn Crocus Plants
A charming addition to your fall flower bed, autumn crocus bulbs add unique color when much of the garden is getting ready for its long winter nap. Learn more about growing autumn crocus in this article.
By Amy Grant
-
Tips For Growing Crocus In Your Garden
One of the first blooms to appear is the crocus, sometimes peeking up through a layer of snow with the promise of spring. Growing crocus in the home garden is easy, and this article can help.
By Bonnie L. Grant