Scientific Name
Crocus spp.
Common Name
Dutch Crocus, Species Crocuses
CROCUS (Spring flowering)
(Several species (chrysanthus, flavus, sieberi, tommasinianus, vernus) and cultivars are available with blue, lavender, white, yellow and bicolored flowers.)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Crocus flowers in early spring (February/March) and plants are 4-6 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia Minor and Europe
2. Common names: Dutch Crocus, Species Crocuses
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated Corm
4. Hardiness type: Hardy II -Injured at temperatures below 14 degrees F (-10C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by corm replacement and requires a warm (63 to 68F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (50 to 60F) annual reproductive cycle.
6. Primary uses: Rock gardens, beds, ground covers, lawns, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: Species are 5/up, C. vernus cultivars are 8/up cm in circumference.
2. Planting density: 0-4 inches apart, 35-70 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of corm.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 3 to 4 with mulch, 5 to 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates drought, but keep moist during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Chaenomeles japonica, Forsythia, Jasminum nudiflorum, Vinca minor, Hammamelis.

mixed Crocuses

Crocus flavus

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.