Crocus come in about three main categories. Earliest of them are the species, of which there are many.
These are called winter-flowering, and will bloom at the slightest slackening of wintry weather.
Most of these are quite small in size but tough and willing to make considerable increases so that after a few years, they form showy clumps.
They are superb in rock gardens. Next comes the large Dutch crocus, a spectacular kind with big flowers. They rank with the showiest spring bulbs.
Finally, there is the autumn-flowering crocus planted in August or September and blooms soon afterward before foliage appears.
Winter-Blooming Crocus Species
Among the winter-blooming species, a choice is difficult, but any garden should include the following:
- Crocus ancyrensis or Golden Bunch—one of the earliest; small, yellow-orange.
- Crocus sieberi—very early, soft lilac. A variety called ‘Firefly’ has showy orange stamens.
- Crocus versicolor picturatus or Cloth of Silver—white with red feathering, large for this class.
- Crocus tornasinianus—several named kinds, all shades of purple, early.
- Crocus susianus or Cloth of Gold—yellow with brown stripes.
- Crocus chrysanthus—comes in many named varieties in shades of blue, cream, yellow. Grassy foliage.
- Crocus vernus— ‘Vanguard’ is a named kind, blue-gray, early.
Dutch Crocus
Among Dutch croci, these stand out:
- Little Dorrit (silver-lavender, large)
- Striped Beauty (white with purple striping, large)
- Remembrance (soft purple-blue, with showy orange anthers, large)
- Dutch Yellow Mammoth (early for this type, long-lasting, large)
Autumn Crocus
Among autumn croci, these are notably satisfactory:
- Crocus zonatus—large lavender with orange at the base, early.
- Crocus sativus (Saffron) —fragrant pink-lilac feathered with violet.
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