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Crocus olivieri subsp. balansae
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A small, perennial corm with long, narrow, dark green leaves marked with a fine, central, white stripe. Dark orange flowers, feathered bronzy-brown on the outside of the petals, appear from February to March

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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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
Aegean Is. Turkey

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun and protect from excessive winter wet. See crocus cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of established clumps or by separating cormlets when dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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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