A sure sign of spring, crocuses have low-growing, cup-like flowers and grass-like foliage. They are native to woodland, scrub and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in central to southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, on islands in the Aegean Sea, and across Central Asia and western China.
Because they flower so early they will sometimes poke their flowers up through snow. Additionally, they can be planted in lawns because their foliage disappears within weeks after they bloom, the gardener is able to crowd hundreds of them into small areas, and they rapidly multiply and are practically carefree.
On the other hand, their bulbs tend to be eaten by rodents — a problem which can be overcome by covering the bulbs with 12 x 12 squares of hardware cloth. Another issue, the short duration of their bloom, can be solved by planting varieties that mature at different times.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has rated one selection, “Tommies” (C. tommasinianus), a soft lavender beauty as the “most rodent-resistant” choice. Native to Bulgaria, Hungary and the former Yugoslavia, they are one of the smallest of the cultivated species, are amongst the first to bloom, naturalize easily and should be planted in large drifts.
Crocuses grow only 3 to 6 inches tall and the color of their flowers include a patchwork of and purple and white, soft lavender rose, striped, midnight purple, vibrant orange-yellow, and white “Peter Pan” and “Vanguard” (both C. vernus), once considered a Russian wildflower, with platinum outer petals and contrasting inner petals of amethyst.
They are best planted in full sun, can be planted under late-leafing deciduous trees and in soil that drains well. Crocuses are a perfect bulb (properly, corms) for the most “eager” gardeners who can’t wait for spring.
Ed Myers is an advanced master gardener and a past president of the Irvington Garden Club. He is currently President of the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association and the steward of both the Kile Oak Habit and Benton House Historic Gardens. His e-mail address is EMyers3670@aol.com
