How many crocus species are there?

90 species
The Crocus genus comprises at least 90 species that grow from bulb-like corms. Of these, a relatively small group is commonly cultivated for garden use, including some that are spring bloomers: C. tommasinianus (snow crocus), C.

What Colours do crocus come in?

Crocus mixed colour collection

Shades of purple, lilac-blue, striped, orange and white make up this lush mix of goblet-shaped flowers that appear in March and April above slender, strap-shaped leaves.

What flower looks like a crocus?

Colchicum speciosum
Colchicum speciosum ‘Atrorubens’ (Colchicum)

Resembling crocuses with its cup-shaped flowers, it produces its strap-like foliage, way later, in spring. Growing up to 6-8 inches tall and wide (15-20 cm), this Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!

Is saffron crocus the same as autumn crocus?

Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron crocus, or autumn crocus, is a species of flowering plant of the Crocus genus in the iris family Iridaceae. It is best known for producing the spice saffron from the filaments that grow inside the flower.

How many years do crocus bulbs last?

5 years
Crocuses do well when they are planted in full sun or partial shade. How long do crocus bulbs last? With proper care, nutrients and good soil, crocus bulbs can thrive for up to 5 years.

Should you deadhead crocus?

You don’t need to deadhead your crocuses as the flowers will fade naturally. They do look dainty and pretty in small vases, so you can pick them for a short indoor display. Leave all foliage in place until it has completely died back.

Do all crocuses produce saffron?

Saffron is harvested from the saffron crocus, scientific name Crocus sativus. This is a different plant entirely from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also known somewhat confusingly as meadow saffron. Do double-check that you are buying the right one, as autumn crocuses are poisonous.

Which crocus is edible?

The only Crocus species world famous as regards human consumption, is Saffron Crocus, Crocus sativus. Ironically, this highly esteemed spice and dye plant is also poisonous if too much is ingested.

Why is autumn crocus poisonous?

However, the corms are large enough to contain toxic doses of the alkaloids. The primary toxic alkaloid is colchicine, which interferes with cell mitosis.

Is there a red crocus?

Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus)

Celebrated for more than 2000 years, Crocus sativus or Saffron Crocus has been cultivated for its invaluable red stamens, the source of culinary saffron.

What color is spring crocus?

Crocuses come in a large variety of colors. From innocent white to happy yellow and orange, and from soft lilac to deep purple. Depending on where you live, crocus blooms from late winter to early spring. Once you plant crocus, they will come back every spring, making them perennial flower bulbs.

What do crocuses symbolize?

Crocus flowers have a rich symbolism of rebirth thanks to the early blooming flowers in spring. Other symbolic meanings include joy and romantic devotion. These flowers are native to the Mediterranean, Asia, and much of Europe. They range in color from white to purple and pink.

What color is the crocus flower that saffron comes from?

Saffron crocus is no ordinary autumn-blooming beauty. Its fragrant, deep lavender, purple-veined flowers house long, scarlet stigmas (the pollen-receptive portions of the female pistils) that can be plucked and dried to make the highly prized spice saffron.

What month do crocus bloom?

Flowering mainly in late winter to early spring, crocuses offer cheer in borders, seasonal containers or planted in lawns to create colour carpets. In addition to the spring flowering cultivars, another group of crocuses flower in autumn.

What do you do with crocus after they bloom?

Do squirrels eat crocus bulbs?

Squirrels are very fond of some bulbs, such as tulips and crocus, but other spring-blooming bulbs are not on their preferred menu.

Can crocus be planted in March?

The 15 weeks of chilling will usually take you into March, which is when daylight hours are increasing and ambient temperatures start to warm. All this signals “bloom” to the plant and points to the best time to plant a crocus.

Do crocus like sun or shade?

to full sun
Crocus like well-drained soil in a partial to full sun location. You may even grow them in your lawn where they will add a bright twinkle to the awakening grass. Early foraging bees appreciate their nectar as well. Plant crocus bulbs (corms) in informal groups, just three inches deep and 2-3 inches apart.

Do crocus spread by themselves?

Like all bulb plants, crocus require a period of cold temperatures before they can grow and bloom. They self-propagate easily, though you can manually separate them to spread them to a new location.

Can I plant crocus bulbs in February?

White, purple and yellow blooms with grass-like foliage help identify crocus. Plant bulbs as early as possible in February for better bloom. There are several fall-blooming varieties of crocus available in addition to the spring types.

Should I soak crocus bulbs before planting?

Should you soak spring bulbs before planting? There’s no need to soak them before planting. However, if you are late getting them into the ground, then soaking them for 12-24 hours can speed up the rooting process.