Crocus korolkowii
celandine crocus
A small, perennial corm, producing narrow green leaves to 10cm long, marked with a fine white stripe along the centre. In late winter and early spring, produces slender, fragrant, golden yellow flowers, often feathered with purple or dark brown on the outer petals
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Purple Brown | Green White | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Yellow Purple Brown | Green White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile 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
- Gravel garden
- 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
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.