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Crocus candidus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

shining white crocus

A small, perennial corm growing to 8cm, producing one or two long, relatively wide, dark green leaves with a fine, central white stripe. In early spring produces ivory-white flowers, usually with greyish speckles on the outer petals

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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
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Requires a warm, dry rest in summer so best suited to an alpine house or bulb frame

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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
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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