:: Crocus Flowers ::
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Did you know?
Crocuses grow from corms, a bulb like stem that stores food for potential
roots, leaves, and flowers. Crocus corms are loved by squirrels, rabbits and
mice....just a warning!
When planting, don’t leave any corms above ground and discard any that you don’t
use.
Where to buy?
Michigan Bulb & Co
White Flower Farm
Dutch Gardens
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“Old Man Winter” must start to withdraw when the crocus
elbows him out of the way and makes its first appearance because
without a doubt, the crocus is the “little darling” of early spring.
This colorful cup-shaped flower is known to poke through the snow bringing forth a much needed splash of color, while announcing, “Spring is here, spring is finally here!”
I am reminded of a basket filled with Easter eggs when I see petite crocuses poking up through the grass. Indeed, the they comes in a variety of Easter colors: yellow, purple, white, striped, and bronze. These pretty little flowers average height is 3 -5 inches tall; they have 3 orange stamens and narrow leaves with a silvery stripe running down the middle of each.
Crocuses grow from corms which are bulb-like stems. Plant corms in the fall in full to partial shade; plant 5 inches deep and at least 1 inch spacing between. They make a breath-taking display in mass plantings (at least 100 corms) but are equally as delightful when a few blooms pop up beneath a mailbox.
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one of the early birds in spring gardens |
collection of different colored crocuses from Michigan Bulbs & Co |
Fall blooming crocus
-Crocus Saffron- from WhiteFlowerFarm.com |
They bloom from February - March, showing this little flower is indeed very hardy.
Crocuses will naturalize easily but you must be prepared to refrain from mowing your lawn for approximately 6 weeks after blooms have faded. If you mow too soon, the cormlets being formed by the mother corm will not have had an adequate chance to develop and the growth the following year will be stunted.
If you are unable to let your grass go without being mowed for such a length of time, Crocuses can also be grown in rock gardens, along the edge of the woods, edging your garden, and in containers. They look charming no matter where you choose to plant them!
They remind me of a tiny little bouquets; make sure to bring a few indoors for display in your favorite teacup or miniature bud vase. Crocus corms can also be forced to bloom indoors as another way to fight the “winter blues.” No matter how you choose to enjoy this beautiful flower,outdoors, or indoors, buy some this year and give them a try!
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>daffodils
>> spring flowers part 1
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