Crocus - Plant Finder - Gardening Australia - ABC

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Traits

• Sun
• Shade
• Groundcover
• Rockery
• Container

Flowering Season

Winter, Spring

Genus

So often regarded as a herald of spring, Crocus is a member of the iris (Iridaceae) family, and is made up of around 80 species of late winter- and early spring flowering corms. Their natural distribution range extends from central Europe to northern Africa and central Asia. These low-growing, herbaceous, lily-like perennials produce dainty goblet-shaped blooms, which, depending on the species, are either accompanied by, or followed by, wispy grass-like foliage. The genus name comes from the Greek word krokos, meaning saffron, which is produced from the hand-picked dried styles of Crocus sativus.

Appearance

Crocus plants have subterranean corms from which the inflorescence arises. They usually have fine grassy foliage that appears with or after the flower buds. Heads of up to 4 blooms are carried on short stems, with each of the 6-segmented flowers bearing a conspicuous divided style at the centre. Flower colour ranges from white and yellow, to any shade from lavender to purple. The ovary that forms the fruit is located at the base of the floral tube. Seeds develop in the 3-celled capsular fruits.

Cultivation

Crocus species and cultivars are mostly very hardy and are easily grown plants that are particularly well suited to rockery planting. Plant in any sunny or partly shaded position in cool, moist, humus-rich soil. Bulbs should be planted 4 in (10 cm) apart or in widely spaced groups of more crowded bulbs. Propagate by dividing established clumps or raise from seed.

Gardening Australia suggests you check with your local authorities regarding the weed potential of any plants for your particular area.

© Global Book Publishing (Australia) Pty Ltd from Flora's Gardening Cards

Posted 7 Mar 20077 Mar 2007Wed 7 Mar 2007 at 2:00pm, updated 25 Mar 201825 Mar 2018Sun 25 Mar 2018 at 3:37amShare

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