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.
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Crocus
'Whale Shark'
Crocus 'Whale Shark' may be named after one of the ocean's giants, but this spring beauty is all elegance and grace. With its large, cup-shaped blooms, it makes quite a splash in the early garden. The outer petals of Crocus vernus 'Whale Shark' have a cool, greyish-blue wash—subtle and refined—while the insides reveal a rich, violet-blue that’s both striking and serene. It’s a colour combination that feels like a breath of fresh sea air, right when the garden is waking from its winter slumber.
Crocus 'Whale Shark' isn’t just about good looks—it’s also wonderfully reliable. Flowering in early spring, it’s perfect for borders, lawns, or containers where its bold colouring can be fully appreciated. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and once planted, it returns each year with very little encouragement. For gardeners seeking a crocus that stands out from the shoal, Crocus vernus 'Whale Shark' offers both size and style. A quiet showstopper with ocean-inspired charm, it’s sure to make waves in any spring display.
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 'Whale Shark'
- Flower colour
- Violet, blue, grey
- 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
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Naturalising
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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