Crocus & Iris

Family: Iridaceae

The Crocus Bulb

Very few flower bulbs are so massively planted as the crocus. Most crocus species come from countries bordering the Mediterranean.

Together with tulips, hyacinths and the narcissus, the crocus is among the most commonly found 'bulb' plants in gardens and parks.

Species of Crocus

More than 100 species of crocus are known, but only thirty have been cultivated. The most popular crocus no longer closely resemble their wild ancestors. As well as flowering in the Spring and late Winter, some crocus flower in the autumn, but these are fairly rare. The crocus is very similar in appearance to the Colchicum, to which they are distantly related. The crocus can be distinguished from the Colchicum by the number of stamens: the crocus has three, while the Colchicum has six.

Naturalising the Crocus

The effect of the crocus is especially beautiful when they are planted in large numbers. For a massive effect, 100 to 150 crocus bulbs per square metre should be planted. One important growing condition is that the crocus must have well-drained soil.

The calyx-shaped crocus flowers open only when the sun shines or when there is a lot of light; the crocus closes up in rainy weather and at night. Crocus are lovely in lawns as well as in the perennial border where they join the other very early perennials in ringing in the flowering season. Crocus have narrow leaves with a silver-grey stripe down the middle.