Crocus speciosus subsp. speciosus
Bieberstein’s crocus
A small, perennial corm, producing large, solitary, long-tubed flowers in autumn, before the narrow leaves appear in winter. Flowers have violet-blue petals with darker veins, and bright orange styles
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | Purple | |||
Winter | Green |
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. Suitable for naturalising in grass, see bulbs: naturalising. 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
- 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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