Crocus 'Vanguard'
crocus 'Vanguard'
is usually the earliest of the large crocus cultivars to flower, in February. Sometimes described as a "bicolour", the outer petals have greyish backs, contrasting with the mauve inner parts. Closed buds look silvery grey; open flowers all lilac with orange styles. The early flowering and large size make it a valuable plant for early bumble bees
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Crocus are dwarf, deciduous perennials growing from a corm, with linear leaves usually with a silvery central stripe, and goblet-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers in autumn or early spring
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a gritty, poor to moderately fertile soil. See crocus cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Remove cormlets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to rodents and birds
Diseases
Generally disease-free, corms may rot in storage
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.