CARE. Soil loamy, slightly acid. Sun or partial shade. Plant in colonies in August, two to three inches deep. Let leaves mature.
PROPAGATION. Separate bulbs. Division of corms. Seeds.
SPECIAL USES. Borders, rock gardens, forcing.
Crocus Iridaceae
There are three general kinds of these grassy-leaved plants with flaring flowers of several colors. The large flowering “Dutch” hybrids flower in the spring; the usual spring-flowering varieties come earlier and last longer; other species flower in the fall.
biflorous—Spring. Bright-purple flowers with darker stripes, yellowish throat.
medius—Fall. Bright-orchid flowers with very pale throat.
sativus—Fall. Pastel-lilac flowers accented with scarlet stamens.
seiberi—Spring. Yellow-throated lavender flowers.
speciosus—Fall. Light blue with fiery orange stigmas.