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Genus Crocus

Crocus sativus Photo/Illustration: Boyd Hagen

KROW-kus

The Crocus genus is comprised of about 80 species of dwarf, cormous, clump-forming perennials found in a wide range of habitats. The small, goblet-shaped flowers open in early spring or autumn to reveal tepals of often contrasting colors. Flowers appear before the leaves, or sometimes, with them. Crocuses are beautiful en masse naturalized in a lawn, in a rock garden, or in a mixed or herbaceous border. They are some of the earliest blooms of spring.
Noteworthy characteristics: Colorful, low-growing flowers in spring, often in the snow, or in the autumn.
Care: Crocus species have differing requirements. See individual accounts for details. Generally, though, plant corms 3 to 4 inches deep in spring (autumn-flowering plants) or in fall (spring bloomers).
Propagation: Collect seed when ripe, just before the seed capsule ruptures. Sow seed immediately in containers or in a cold frame. Leave seedlings in containers for 2 years before planting out. Many self-sow abundantly. Can also remove cormlets during dormancy.
Problems: Mice, voles, and squirrels may eat the corms, while birds may pick off flowers. In storage, corms are prone to rots and molds.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Crocus

Crocus sativus
(Saffron crocus)

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The saffron crocus blooms in the autumn, producing 1 to 5 rich lilac flowers with dark purple veins, held wide open above inconspicuous foliage.

Crocus speciosus
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This autumn-flowering cormous perennial bears long-tubed flowers in shades of violet-blue with deeper blue veins and divided, bright orange styles.

Crocus vernus
(Dutch crocus)

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Dutch crocus is one of the hardiest, if not the hardiest, crocus species readily available to home gardeners. A true harbinger of spring, it can be planted in borders, rock gardens, and even lawns. After flowering, the foliage must be left intact until it withers, which may cause lawn-mower anxiety in some gardeners. Often sold as "mixed crocus," cultivars of this species are typically white, lilac, or purple and white striped.