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.
-40%
Crocus
'Vanguard'
Welcoming spring with aplomb in its shimmering shades, Crocus 'Vanguard' is one the very first of the large crocus cultivars to flower. This award-winning Dutch crocus stylishly combines silvery-grey outer petals with soft mauve inner ones, that look delightful when closed in bud. They open up in the sun to reveal beautiful, delicately striped lilac petals, contrasting strikingly with the large orange stamens. Thanks to its reliability, this wonderful metamorphosis is likely to be repeated year after year in optimal conditions.
Belonging to the Vernus group of crocuses, distinguished by their larger than average flowers, Crocus 'Vanguard' is both good-looking and impactful. Winner of a coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit, its delights are also much appreciated by the first bumblebees to emerge in early spring, who will happily feed on its nectar. When planted in large numbers of over 100, Crocus vernus 'Vanguard' looks fabulous in drifts in lawns or under trees, where it naturalises easily, but it is equally at home in smaller groups as part of pot or window box displays.
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 vernus 'Vanguard'
- Flower colour
- Violet, blue, white
- Bulb size
- 9/+
- Established height
- 10-20cm
- 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
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Naturalising
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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