Dutch Crocus

Family

Iridaceae

Origin

France & Spain

Description 

Crocus ‘Flower Record’ is an early bloomer featuring striking violet-purple flowers that herald spring’s arrival. Its chalice-shaped blooms display intricate veining and stand out vividly against the grassy foliage. This perennial corm, belonging to the Iridaceae family and native to Southern Europe, grows to 10–12 cm in height and 6–8 cm in width. Plant from October to December in plains and from November to January in hills to enjoy flowers from January to March in plains and February to April in hills, signaling the onset of spring color.

Environment

Get your spring-blooming crocuses in the ground after the weather cools down in the fall, but before the ground freezes.

Crocus corms can be planted just about anywhere as long as they get full to partial sun and well-drained soil. They’re good to go under deciduous trees, where they’ll get enough sunlight before most trees have fully leafed out. Don’t plant in dense shade, such as on the north side of structures.

Place corms 3 to 4 inches deep, about 3 inches apart and with their pointy ends up. Arrange them in small groups of 9 to 10 per square foot, or in large drifts. Cover with soil level to the surface so water won’t puddle.

If you find you need to deter pests like mice or voles from eating your newly planted corms, crushed seashells, oyster shells or eggshells can be added to the planting holes. Water the area well after planting.

Crocuses don’t require any pruning, simply let the foliage die back after blooming and then remove it. It’s important to let it die back naturally, as it is storing food and energy for next season

For best effect, plant in drifts of 20 or more bulbs. Crocus naturalize well.

Landscape Use

Great in pots as well as gardens, the Iris is also used around water and as a feature softening rock landscaping.