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.
Crocus speciosus
The Autumn-flowering Crocus speciosus has reason to be a little blue about the coming onset of winter. All crocus flowers don’t like bad or dull weather, and have a tendency to close up tight when the sun doesn’t shine in their faces. So Crocus speciosus, compelled by nature to flower in autumn, is unlikely to be feeling jolly much of the time. However, if you plant this stunning bright blue crocus with its yellow cup base, yellow anthers and orange-red stigma, you’ll have something to smile at every year as it pops its bright head through other foliage in your autumn garden.
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 speciosus
- Flower colour
- Purple
- 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
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.