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.
What they lack in size, Crocus sieberi 'Tricolor' will make up for in its display of multiple colours. The name says there are three colours – blue, white and orange – but sometimes there’s a fourth that seems to sneak quietly onto the inside edges of the wide-open cup. The fourth colour is a delightful pinkish lilac which softens the contrast created by the bright orange cup base ringed with snowy white which bleeds into dark lavender blue.
When the weather’s dull and Crocus sieberi 'Tricolor' refuses to open her flower, the closed bloom will still provide a touch of sunshine from its sunny yellow-orange tubular base.
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 sieberi subsp. sublimis 'Tricolor'
- Flower colour
- Purple, yellow, white
- 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
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- 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 sieberi 'Tricolor' reviews
[rating] out of 5 stars Verified buyerProduct review textProduct reviewer![]()
![]()
![]()
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.