Crocus

Common crocus is a genus in the Iridaceae (iris) family, comprising about 90 species of deciduous, perennial, early spring-blooming corms. They are native to the Mediterranean and eastern Europe to northwest China. Crocus is the middle English word for “saffron plant,” as saffron comes from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus. 

Crocus need full sun to partial shade and gritty, well-drained soils; sandy loam with composted organic matter is best. Avoid heavy clay. They tolerate drought, but keep them moist during the growing season. Keep the foliage intact for about six weeks after the plants bloom, as the leaves are generating food for next year's floral production. Propagation is by division, which is recommended every four years. 

The flowers bloom in early spring, typically closing at night or on cloudy days and opening up with the morning sun, with many hybrids available. To plant from corms, plant in the fall about 2.5 inches deep and 2 inches apart, 35 to 70 corms per square foot.  

The diminutive crocus, less than 6 inches tall and wide at maturity, are often planted in mass in lawns, borders, naturalized areas, along pathways and in rock and woodland gardens. The corms can be cooked as a vegetable. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Crocus are damaged by rodents. Squirrels seem particularly adept at locating, digging up, and eating newly planted corms.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for plant identification courses offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.