Crocus Grand Maitre

Crocus Grand Maitre – is a lavender coloured large flowering crocus. The petals are around 5cm long as opposed to the smaller Species Crocus and Autumn Flowering Crocus. Still, Crocus Grand Maitre remains no more than 15cm high in total.

The foliage is grass like with a fine stripe running along the fold of the leaf. They flower very early in spring long before the grass needs mowing, making them great flowers for planting in the lawn, although they also do well in borders and pots.

The flowers open up in the full sun to expose their bright yellow anthers, this is a welcome sign to early bees and a source of much needed food early in the year.

Grand Maitre is a pale blue flower. These create an extremely effective partner with other large flowering crocus. Try pairing them with the deep purple Flower Record or in contrast with the perfectly white Crocus ‘Jeanne D’Arc’. We also make our own mixture of all the large flowering varieties we have in stock.

Crocus are wonderful perennial flowers that can create luscious carpets of flowers during spring in the gap between the early flowering snowdrops and the first tulips.

Growing Crocus bulbs

Crocus bulbs do not like to be water logged. A good sandy soil is ideal for crocus, preferably in a sunny position. They will grow under trees whilst there is no canopy and the sun is getting through. If your soil is heavy, you may need to add some compost or sand to improve drainage.

Plant crocus bulbs in the autumn, a minimum of six to eight weeks before the first frost. The depth of planting depends on the size of the corms. In general, plant small corms 2 inches deep and large corms 3 inches deep. Water the crocus bulbs well after planting, and water again if the weather is dry. Once the flowers have faded, deadhead them to encourage them to bloom the following year.

Crocus can be grown in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 6 inches deep and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Pots dry out easily, so ensure that they are well watered.

Crocus bulbs naturalise well in your garden. Plant crocus bulbs in areas where the soil will not be disturbed, such as in your lawn or under trees. If you are planting in a lawn you can cut an envelope in the turf and slide a few in. Making sure the small point in the centre is pointing up. Make sure the foliage has died back before the first mow some time in late April.

Crocus are deer-resistant, making them great for country gardens where deer can be a problem. Although, you may have to add a little extra protection as they are a favourite snack for mice and squirrels.