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Crocus speciosus

Crocus speciosus Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Crocus speciosus Genus: Crocus
This autumn-flowering cormous perennial bears long-tubed flowers in shades of violet-blue with deeper blue veins and divided, bright orange styles.
Noteworthy characteristics: Naturalizes easily in grass, as it increases rapidly by seeds and offsets.
Care: Needs spring sun to store enough food to flower. Once the foliage has ripened, denser shade is not a problem, so choose companion plants carefully. Grow in gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Propagation: Remove cormlets during dormancy.
Problems: Mice, voles, and squirrels may feed on the corms. Birds may pick off flowers.
Height Less than 6 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall
Flower Color Blue Flower; Orange/ Salmon Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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