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.
Many consider Crocus 'Herald' to be outstanding—on two fronts. First, it is often regarded as being the earliest crocus of any to come in to flower. This means that in a sheltered or sunny garden, they could be flowering in late January. Second, the typical goblet-shaped flowers of Crocus 'Herald' have arguably the greatest colour contrast of any crocus! The blooms are essentially pale primrose yellow, with a deeper yellow centre, but the outer petals are nearly completely plum-purple with a yellow edge. This stunning combination looks particularly attractive when seen en masse. Its leaves are dark green and grass-like, each with a silvery, central stripe.
Crocus 'Herald' flowers at a time when most other garden plants are still dormant, so its drama will pack a real punch in beds, borders, patio containers or when planted in drifts or naturalised in lawns! Also, consider planting it in a window box for a welcoming late-winter and early spring show—to be viewed at close quarters!
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 chrysanthus 'Herald'
- Flower colour
- Yellow, brown
- Bulb size
- 5/7
- Established height
- 5-10cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 150 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Exposed
Sheltered - Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost
Sandy
Stony
Clay - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Ground cover
Large containers
Lawns
Low maintenance gardens
Pots
Rockery
Wildlife gardens
Woodland gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun, Partial shade, Dappled shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Crocus 'Herald' reviews
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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.