Plant crocuses from September to November, or by December at the latest. If needed, store them in open packets somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
Named for the Monarch Butterfly because of its striking combination of bright orange and black, the Crocus olivieri 'Orange Monarch' matches its winged namesake in more ways than just the one. Like the butterfly, this stately crocus highlights nature’s drawing abilities. Both butterfly and flower have vein-like line decorations. Crocus olivieri 'Orange Monarch' is a true exclusive and new breeding variety among the crocus family. It's the first orange crocus on the market!
Crocus olivieri 'Orange Monarch's purplish-black vein lines on the outside of the petals are either as intricate as leaf skeletons drawn in pen and ink and complete to the finest detail, or they’re bold dark flashes done with a thick nib or thin brush. Just studying a few of these snow crocus flowers could keep you entranced for hours when they bloom very early in spring.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or light shade with well-drained soil. Improve heavy or sandy soil with organic matter. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost.
Plant 5–10cm deep with the pointed end or emerging shoot facing upwards. If shoots have already appeared, handle them carefully and keep them below the surface.
Space them 5–10cm apart in containers or borders. Planting crocuses in small clusters or informal drifts creates a fuller, more natural-looking display.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. After flowering, allow the foliage to turn yellow naturally, then leave the crocuses planted throughout the year.
- Botanical name
- Crocus olivieri 'Orange Monarch'
- Flower colour
- Orange
- Bulb size
- 5/+
- Established height
- 5-10cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 150 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost
Clay - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Ground cover
lawns
Meadows
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Crocus 'Orange Monarch' reviews
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.