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Crocus chrysanthus var. fuscotinctus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dark-coloured crocus

A small, perennial corm growing to 8cm tall with long, narrow, dark green leaves marked with a fine, central, white stripe. In late winter and early spring produces scented, goblet-shaped, yellow flowers with purple feathering on the outer petals

Synonyms
Crocus chrysanthus 'Fuscotinctus'
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Yellow Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter Purple Yellow Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Correct

Plant range
Balkans, Turkey

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Suitable for naturalising in grass, see bulbs: naturalising. See crocus cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of established clumps, by separating cormlets when dormant, or by seed sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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

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