Crocus banaticus

RHS Plant Profile
Byzantine crocus
Byzantine crocus RHS 2002

Other common names

iris-flowered crocus

Synonyms

Crocus byzantinus
Crocus iridiflorus

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Alpine Rockery Bulbs

A perennial corm with lilac to light purple flowers produced before the leaves in early autumn. Inner tepals much smaller than outer ones, which reflex in strong sun

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
E Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moderately well-drained soil. See crocus cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe or remove cormlets when dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • 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