Crocus fleischeri

RHS Plant Profile
Fleicher’s crocus
Plants for pollinators
Alpine Rockery Bulbs

A small, perennial corm, with a distinctively fibrous coating, producing narrow, dark green leaves to 12cm long, marked with a fine white stripe along the centre. In early spring produces starry white flowers, with narrow spreading petals, a dark purple blotch at the outer base of the petals, and bright orange-red styles. Occasionally produces spreading stolons that develop new cormlets at the tips

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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
Turkey, Aegean Is.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in gritty, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. This species benefits from a dry summer dormancy, so is best grown in dry gardens, or in a bulb frame or alpine house. See crocus cultivation for more advice

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to rodents and birds

Diseases

Generally disease-free, corms may rot in storage