Species Crocus Mix Bulbs

Size

Species Crocus Mix Bulbs open the gardening year with small, goblet-shaped flowers in purple, white, yellow, and striped combinations. Crocus vernus grows only about 4 to 6 inches tall and blooms in late winter to early spring, often before surrounding perennials have started growing. Narrow, grass-like foliage emerges with or shortly after the flowers and disappears relatively early in the season. We enjoy this mix scattered through a lawn, where the different colors appear informally.These crocuses are strong naturalizers, gradually forming broader colonies when bulbs are left undisturbed and the foliage is allowed to mature after flowering. Their small stature makes them well suited to lawns, rock gardens, beneath deciduous trees, along walkways, and at the front of spring borders. Plants tolerate full sun to partial shade and are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. The early blooms gives bees and other emerging pollinators a useful source of pollen and nectar when relatively little else is open.Species Crocus Mix Bulbs CareGrow in full sun to partial shade in well-drained loamy, sandy, or amended clay soil. Plant the bulbs about 3 inches deep, positioning the pointed end upward. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is suitable.Water after fall planting to settle the soil, then rely largely on seasonal rainfall unless spring conditions become unusually dry. Once the foliage yellows, supplemental watering is generally unnecessary as the bulbs move into dormancy. Apply a light bulb fertilizer as shoots emerge in spring or top-dress the planting area with compost in fall.Leave the narrow leaves untouched after flowering until they yellow and detach easily. In lawns, delay mowing over the planting until the crocus foliage has finished ripening so the bulbs can replenish their reserves. Established colonies rarely need division and can remain undisturbed for many years.Species Crocus Mix Bulbs SpacingSpace bulbs about 3 to 4 inches apart, or scatter handfuls across a planting area and place each bulb where it lands for a less formal drift. For containers and window boxes, use pots at least 6 to 8 inches deep with drainage holes and a free-draining potting mix. Protect exposed containers from repeated hard freezes in very cold climates while still allowing the bulbs to receive their winter chilling period.Species Crocus Mix Bulbs Companion PlantsHellebores are excellent landscape companions because their late-winter flowers and evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage share the crocus season and provide a much larger plant form above the small blooms. Heather can extend the low-growing display through sunny or lightly shaded, well-drained beds and adds evergreen texture after the crocus foliage disappears. In containers, primrose can provide larger cool-season flowers above the crocus planting; both plants prefer cool spring conditions and evenly moist, well-drained soil.