Woodland crocus Crocus tommasinianus

Snow Crocus is a late winter to early spring blooming bulb native to southeastern Europe.  It is one of the first to pop its leaves above the ground and can bloom when there is snow on the ground, hence the common name.  Plant them 3 to 4 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in average well-drained soils.  They prefer sandy soils and do not do well in poorly drained clay soil.   They perform best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. Blooms will appear in the morning, closing in the evenings and they will remain closed on cloudy days.

Mass plant them along walkways, in front of trees or shrubs in woodland or rock gardens, or let naturalize in a lawn.  If planted in a lawn wait until the leaves turn yellow before mowing.  They tuck into small spaces well and really bring some interest to a garden after the long sleep of winter.

They tolerate browsing from deer and the allelopathic chemicals of black walnut.  It is reportedly resistant to foraging by squirrels as well. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Reportatly better at resisting squirrel, mice and other rodent damage than other Crocus speices.