Crocus plant - photos and types of flowers, care, reproduction, cultivation. Crocuses (50 photos of flowers): planting, care, propagation Large-flowered Dutch hybrids

And is a prominent representative family iris (iris). Found in Europe, Western and Central Asia, Crimea, Azerbaijan.

Crocus is a low, narrow-leaved plant with tubular flowers. Hidden inside the unisexual flower are stigmas with three stamens. The flower has a bright corolla-shaped 6-parted perianth.

Crocus (saffron) famous for having edible bulbs, which are eaten after baking, boiling, but the crocus's most valuable are the stigmas, which are famous for their valuable healing properties and act as food seasoning and coloring.

The 300 varieties of crocuses can be divided into autumn-blooming and spring-blooming.

CROCUS (SAFFRON). LANDING.

To get a beautiful flower, you need to know what characteristics to select. bulb for planting. The bulb must be: free of rot, stains, even in color, without mechanical damage, without sprouted roots on the bottom.

For planting, it is better to choose well-lit places without stagnant water, which can contribute to rotting of the bulb. Crocuses do not like moisture: it is better for them not to receive enough of it than to experience an excess of it.

Basic requirements for the soil: it must be breathable and not acidic. If you have heavy clay soil in your garden, then it needs to be cultivated: add sand, peat, use fine gravel or a layer of sand as drainage. If the soil is light, add humus, turf soil, and apply basic fertilizer before planting.

If you have a spring-flowering variety, then plant the crocus in September-October; autumn-flowering varieties should be planted in July-September. The planting depth is determined by the diameter of the bulb and should be equal to 2-3 of its diameters, and the distance between the bulbs should be at least 10 cm.

CROCUS (SAFFRON). CARE.

Crocus can withstand temperatures down to minus 18 degrees and has a positive attitude towards drought. However, this does not mean that you don’t have to water it at all: the crocus just needs moderate moisture. And tolerance to sub-zero temperatures is not a reason to leave bulbs planted in winter unattended. They must be covered with either a layer of peat or foliage.

And in order for the plant to develop normally, it must be fed: compost soil or decomposed humus, which is added to the ground before sowing flowers, is suitable for this.

From the moment of planting until the beginning of flowering, mineral fertilizer is applied to the area where the flowers are planted, where there is twice as much phosphorus as potassium at the rate of 80-100 g per 1 square meter. m. During the budding period, a second feeding is done in the same amount, but the ratio of phosphorus and potassium is already 1:1. And when the crocus has already bloomed, it is fed at the rate of 30-35 g per 1 square meter. m in a ratio of 1:1.

Many gardening enthusiasts, in the hope of getting larger flowers, dig up crocus bulbs, sort through them, removing sick and weak ones, and keep them in the basement until the next planting.

CROCUS. REPRODUCTION.

Like all bulbous plants, crocus reproduces by baby bulbs, and also by seeds.

A seed box formed underground is eventually pushed by the plant itself to the surface, where the seeds are already ripening. If you miss the time to collect seeds, they will fall into the ground on their own. Provided that you have collected the seeds, you must dry them within a week, and then the seeds should be planted at a shallow depth - no more than 1 cm at a distance of 4-5 cm. Flowering with such planting will occur in the 3rd year.

CROCUSES AT HOME + PHOTO

If you want to receive flowering plant crocus in winter period, use spring-flowering varieties of Dutch selection for forcing.

The bulbs should be of the same variety and size: this will allow you to get plants that are the same in height and bloom at the same time.

For forcing in winter at home, the following types and hybrids of crocuses are used:

Spring crocus (Crocus vernus)	With color: white flowers - ", Jeanne d'Arc"
Purple flowers - "Remembrance"	Golden - "Mammoth Yellow"
White flowers with purple veins - "Pickwick"	Silver-purple - "Vanguard"
Beautiful crocus (Crocus speciosus)	"Flower Record"

As well as the following popular varieties:

If you want your crocuses to bloom in February-March next year, then already at the end of May current year Bulbs dug up after the above-ground parts of plants have withered should be placed in a well-ventilated room with an air temperature of +20°C in a closed room for the whole summer with sufficient air access. Starting in September, the storage temperature for the bulbs is reduced to +15-17 degrees.

In October, the bulbs can be planted in pots with soil consisting of turf and leaf soil and coarse river sand at a ratio of 2:2:1. The main requirement for the substrate is lightness, breathability and moisture permeability.

A small amount of bone meal will not be superfluous for the substrate. Before planting the bulbs in a pot, for better rooting of the bulbs, water the soil with a special solution for this purpose.

The bulbs planted at a distance of 2.5 cm are sprinkled with substrate, but no more than 2.5 cm thick.

Until the first shoots appear, the pot with the bulbs is stored in the refrigerator section, avoiding watering.

When the sprouts appear, the pots are placed in a bright room where the air temperature is not lower than +12-15 degrees and watering begins.

So that the plants have a decorative appearance and respond correctly to changes temperature conditions, they are covered with caps made, for example, of plain paper.

After removing the caps, the required lighting can be provided using lamps artificial lighting, which can be mounted on the window frame.

To prolong the flowering process, crocuses are placed in a cool place for 3 days.

Enhanced nutrition for crocuses is provided by fertilizers for bulbous plants, which are produced during every second watering from the moment the sprouts appear until the buds appear. Feeding is stopped during flowering and resumed after its completion until the stems wither at the rate of once a week.

As soon as the above-ground parts of the crocus begin to wilt, watering is reduced, the bulbs are removed from the pots and stored for the summer. Store the bulbs in a well-ventilated area at a temperature of +20 degrees.

With the onset of September, the storage temperature is lowered to 15-17°C, and in October, crocus bulbs are planted in pots filled with a new substrate.

To get blooming crocuses by March 8, plant the plant in late November - early December. The sprouts that appear in February will allow you to admire the flowers in early March.

So, to summarize:

We buy bulbs

We select the largest and healthiest

Pour drainage into a prepared wide, shallow pot, then soil and impregnate the soil with a fertilizer solution that helps stimulate bulb growth

We also soak the bulbs themselves for half an hour in a solution to stimulate the germination of bulbous plants.

Place the bulbs in a pot at a distance of 2 cm from each other, sprinkle with soil, but so that the tails stick out from above

We provide cool conditions for the bulbs, for example, we place the pot in the lower section of the refrigerator

As soon as green sprouts appear, move the pot from the refrigerator to a bright room where the air temperature is + 12-15°C and begin watering.

With the appearance of green leaves and buds, crocuses can be placed anywhere in the apartment, but since they are cold-loving plants, they should still be placed on the coldest windowsill at night. During the flowering period, no fertilizing is done, but only watered.

After flowering ends, fertilizing with fertilizers for bulbous plants is resumed, and wilted flowers are carefully cut off sharp knife or scissors.

After the crocus leaves have withered, the bulbs are taken out of the ground, dried and cleaned, the children are separated from the mother bulb and either put away for storage in order to plant them in open ground at the dacha, or to be used for the next forcing.

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Or saffron is quite numerous, includes about 80 species, about half of them are used in decorative floriculture. They grow in gardens as natural forms, as well as varieties and hybrids created by breeders. The classification of natural species is quite complex and has changed several times over the past 200 years. It is now common to divide the genus into two subgenera, Crocus and Crociris, based on the structure of the bulb and the presence or absence of an involucre at the base of the flower frog.

The subgenus Crociris contains the only species crocus banat (C. banaticus), 10-14 cm tall, with funnel-shaped perianths, the color of which varies from light lilac to dark purple. This flower, which blooms in September, grows wild in Romania, is considered rare, but is the easiest to cultivate, distinguished unusual shape, reminiscent of irises. Its internal rounded segments are half as long as the pointed external ones; the yellow anthers contrast effectively with the dissected pale purple stigmas.

The subgenus includes all other species, which are conventionally divided into 15 groups or series, differing in the structure of the corm shells. Not all of them are of interest; some consist of one or 2-3 rather rare wild varieties that are not used in culture.

Mostly plants belonging to the following groups are grown in gardens:

crocus (crocus) (sown and Pallas);

Kochi (kotchschyani) (K. Sharoyan and Valley);

return (verni) (to spring and Tomasini);

biflori (golden and two-flowered);

speciosi (k. beautiful);

flavi (k.yellow);

reticulati (K. Zibera);

orientales (k. Korolkova).

Based on the time of flowering, spring and autumn crocuses are distinguished, and since yellow and blue petals are usually not found simultaneously within natural species, they are divided into yellow-flowered and blue-flowered based on color. The exception is the golden crocus; perhaps in this case the blue-flowered forms are of hybrid origin. White specimens are less common in nature and are more common in blue-flowered species.

Crocus flower in the photo

Varieties of crocuses are very numerous; currently about 300 of them are registered in the world. Below are descriptions and photos of the types of crocuses most often used in cultivation, as well as the most popular varieties and hybrids recommended for cultivation in our country.

Crocus blue, blue and white may bloom in autumn

Blue crocus flower in the photo

They bloom in September-October, are found in our gardens less often than spring ones, however, they are less demanding on lighting, resistant to diseases and very decorative. IN middle lane Russia is recommended to grow:

Beautiful crocus (C. speciosus), the most popular and largest-flowered species, with blue-violet, adorned with darker or purple veins, fragrant flowers up to 12 cm in diameter. They bloom in September on leafless peduncles reaching 12-18 cm, and bloom for a month. Leaves, 20-30 cm long, 0.6 -1.3 cm wide, appear from the ground in spring and die off by early July. In nature, the plant is found in the Balkans, Asia Minor, as well as in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

There are many garden forms various colors, among which are:

blue crocus Cassiope

lilac Artabir

white Albus

light purple Pallux.

Crocus sativa (C. sativus), cultivated around the world in industrial scale, it is its flowers that are used as the spice “saffron”. The plant is 10-30 cm high with narrow, only a few millimeters wide, erect leaves covered with cilia and curved at the ends. Light purple or white flowers bloom on shortened flower shoots, have a 6-petal corolla and a 10-15 mm long tube, and have a pleasant violet scent. Unlike the previous species, leaves appear along with flowers or immediately after them, mass flowering lasts one to two weeks, and each individual flower lives for about three days. India is considered to be the birthplace of the species, however, the plant currently grown is a hybrid, the result of natural crossing of several ancient varieties of the crop.

Crocus Pallas (C. pallasii), less common in gardens, low-growing, no higher than 5-6 cm, with single pale purple flowers with a pink tint, having a purple base, veins of the same color and strongly bent edges of the perianth. The diameter of the corolla is up to 4.5 cm. It blooms in September and blooms for 30 days; narrow linear leaves about 20 cm long appear in April. It grows wild in Asia Minor, the Balkans, and former USSR- in Crimea.

Even more rarely in gardens you can find bright orange blossoming at the end of summer. Crocus Sharoyan (C. scharojanii), a Caucasian species with bare leaves up to 20 cm long, up to 1.3 cm wide, sometimes remaining until the next flowering.

AND white valley crocus (C. vallicola), blooming in August or early September. The latter's leaves appear in early April and are completely dry at the beginning of June.

Yellow and red crocus blooms more often in spring

They bloom in spring, from early April to May, and in countries with warmer climates at the end of winter (February).

There are two groups:

botanical crocuses (C. botanical), including small-flowered natural forms and varieties.

And grandiflora (C. largeflowering), Dutch hybrids obtained from the spring crocus.

From botanical species in the gardens of the middle zone they grow:

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus), up to 20 cm high, with narrow leaves appearing along with flowers that bloom in April and bloom for about 15-20 days. The natural appearance is golden yellow, with shiny outside and curved perianth lobes, often having darker stripes and streaks in the outer part of the base. There are many differently colored varieties, including hybrids obtained with the participation of other species, in particular the two-flowered crocus.

Hybrids of the Chrysanthus group, unlike the Dutch ones, are smaller in size, bloom earlier, and are multi-flowered - several buds appear simultaneously from one bulb.

Popular varieties:

Princess Biatrix, blue with yellow base

White White triumphant

cream Beauty cream

light yellow Mammut

purple with golden throat Violet Queen.

There are a number of forms in which the petals have contrasting colors, with stripes and various strokes:

Nanette, with large cream flowers decorated with purple markings on the outside.

Lady Killer, snow-white inside, lilac-purple outside with light streaks, etc.

Below are a few more photos of crocus varieties from the Chrysanthus group:

Crocus Ruby Giant in the photo

Crocus Zwanenburg Bronze in the photo

Crocus Prince Clause in the photo

Crocus Princess Beatrix in the photo

Crocus two-flowered or Scottish (C. biflorus), grows naturally in the south and southwest of Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. The natural species has red or purple petals and yellow stigmas, unusual for crocuses.

There are variegated varieties:

Alexandri, very decorative, dark purple on the outside with a narrow white edge, snow-white on the inside.

Parkinsonia, with the outer petals straw-yellow, the inner petals white with small blue splashes, the inside snow-white with an orange center.

There are monochromatic cultivars, for example:

pure white Albus

Fairy bluish tint.

Crocus yellow (C. flavus Weston), a plant native to mountain areas Balkans and Asia Minor, grows up to 20 cm, has linear, ciliated leaves about 10 cm long and short (5-8 cm) peduncles with large golden-orange flowers. The diameter of the perianth reaches 7 cm, and the length of the tube is 8 cm. It blooms for 20 days in early spring (April).

The well-known variety Largest Yellow is distinguished by even larger, flat, dark yellow, cup-shaped flowers than the natural species, decorated with dark stripes on the outside.

Crocus Tomasini

Crocus Tomasini or Neapolitan (C. tomasinianus)- one of the most unpretentious spring primroses, found wild in the Balkans, Bulgaria, and Hungary. Adapts well to any conditions and can grow in relatively shaded areas without special care. Blooms in early April, natural forms have perianths of pink-lilac tones, 3-5 cm in diameter, with a whitish core.

The following varieties are common in decorative floriculture:

Ruby Giant, a dark purple-red crocus with large flowers.

Lilac Lilac Beauty

Whitewell Purple, dark purple-purple with a mauve center.

Crocus Sibera

Crocus Sibera (C. sieberi), quite rare for our gardens and at the same time one of the most beautiful decorative species. The plant comes from the mountainous regions of Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, is 8-10 cm high, and is distinguished by its original three-color color. In natural specimens, the petals can range from light pink to deep purple, the center is usually yellow with bright orange pistils.

Garden forms are especially attractive:

Bowlesis White, a pure white variety with a bright orange throat;

Atticus, a bright blue crocus with a yellow-orange center;

Tricolor, a cultivar with petals dark purple above, lighter below, and a bright yellow throat.

Crocus Korolkova

Crocus Korolkova (C. korolkowii Maw ex Regel), low, up to 6 cm, Central Asian species with bright orange flowers, covered with red stripes on the outside, there are varieties of Russian selection, in particular, Kiss of Spring, Glory to Samarkand, Tiger.

Spring crocus (C. vernus), the most common spring-flowering species in cultivation, growing naturally in high-mountain meadows in the Pyrenees and Alps. In nature it has single purple or purple flowers up to 5 cm in diameter. This variety has served as the material for the creation of numerous hybrid varieties that are widely grown throughout the world, which are usually classified as a separate group of large-flowered crocuses or Dutch hybrids.

Crocus Vanguard and Flower Record

Varieties belonging to the group of large-flowered Dutch hybrids are unpretentious, distinguished by especially large flower sizes, on average 2 times larger than natural species, and their goblet shape. The height of the plants reaches 15 cm, thin long leaves appear covered with brown fibrous skin.

The first cultivar was created in 1897, since then constant work has been carried out to create new hybrids, with the participation of both spring and yellow crocus. More than 50 varieties are known with flowers of various sizes and colors, both plain and variegated. Among them there are white, yellow, lilac, blue, purple, purple-red crocuses.

Photos and descriptions of some of the most common varieties in our country are presented below:

Joan of Arc (Joan Of Arc), white, with large (up to 5 cm) flowers growing in 3-5 pieces. from one onion.

Yellow Mammoth (Yellow Mammoth), yellow-flowered, 10-15 cm high;

Vangart (Vanguard), a crocus of a light bluish-lilac color, 10-15 cm high, up to 4.5 cm in diameter.

Nigro Boy (Negro Boy), a hybrid with goblet-shaped perianths measuring 4-5 cm, a deep lilac-lilac hue with a dark purple base.

Flower Record (Flower Record), a lilac-purple crocus, great for forcing.

Remembrance (Remembrance), with dark purple flowers that are goblet-shaped and point upward.

All Dutch varieties bloom for a long time, up to 20 days, but differ significantly in the timing of the onset of flowering.

The earliest ones, for example:

crocus Vangart, bloom in April;

late (Nigro Boy) - at the end of May, which allows you to have flowering specimens in the garden from early spring to early summer.

crocuses: the best varieties
crocuses: when to plant at home
Is it possible to plant crocuses in spring?
where do crocuses bloom
crocuses have bloomed: what to do

Crocuses: the best varieties

Blooming in early springcrocuses can give us feelings of happiness. "Beacons Have a good mood“- that’s another way to call them. These flowers fill the garden with gentle light on a cloudy day, and dazzlingly bright on a sunny day. Today they are popular as wildcrocus species , and varietal. The seven species listed below crocuses - one more beautiful than the other. Start collecting these bulbous plants. Fortunately, they require little space in the garden. And their prices are quite affordable.

Spring crocus

(Crocus vernus, Giant Crocus, Dutch crocus).

Other names : large-flowered crocuses or Dutch crocuses. It is one of the hardiest crocus species. Therefore, it should be in every garden!Flowers large, single or in “bouquets” of 2-3 pieces. Theirform - bell-funnel-shaped, cup-shaped.Coloring The flowers of this species are usually white, lilac or purple and white with contrasting stripes.Flowers have a size from 3 to 9 cm in diameter. At the end of the growing season, several children are formed above the mother corm.

These crocuses look good in group plantings in flower beds, lawns, under tree canopies, borders and rock gardens. Suitable for growingin pots and tubs . Ideal for forcing. Grows in sun or partial shade.Blooms for a long time - from 10 to 17 days, depending on the variety. In order to save space in a flower bed or in a container, crocuses can beplant on top other bulbous plants. You need to divide and replant every four to five years.Attention!Mice can eat the corms.Flowering period - March, April. Plant height – 8-15 cm.

The best varieties: Crocus Grand Maitre . Hybrid. Giant crocus! It was launched back in 1924. This is one oflate blooming crocuses . The flowers are lavender blue with a pale purple tint. Stigma orange color attract attention. Corms usually produce 2 flowers.

Crocus Remembrance (Crocus vernus ‘Remembrance’). Hybrid. It appeared on the market in 1925. Each corm producesseveral flowers . Their color is violet-lilac with a silvery sheen.

Other varieties of spring crocus : Crocus King of the Striped, Crocus Pickwick, Crocus Negro Boy, Crocus Jeanne d'Arc, Crocus Flower Record.

Crocus Korolkova or saffron Korolkova

(Crocus korolkowii).

It is a wild species. It grows in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Very cold resistant crocus!

Flowers appear from under the snow, as if candles are lighting up.

They medium size , shiny, yellow in color with dark markings (brown or red).

Size flowers are from 2 to 5 cm in diameter. Because thehabitat These crocuses are suitable for rocky areas and will look good in group plantings in rock gardens and rocky gardens. Ideal for growing in containers.

Location - sun or partial shade. It can grow in one place without replanting for four to five years.

Attention! Mice can eat the corms.Flowering period – late winter - early spring. Plant height is about 15 cm.

Golden-flowered crocus or chrysanthus crocus

(Crocus chrysanthus)

Early flowering view! It is also called “Snow Crocus”. This is one of the popular bulbous plants among gardeners.
This type of crocus grows wild in Greece. It has smaller bulbs and therefore smaller flowers than the spring crocus. However, its bulbs produce more flowers (3 or more).
And usually this crocus blooms 2 weeks earlier than the spring crocus. Its flowers show not only yellow shades, but also soft blue, lilac, violet, milky white, and lemon shades. Very spectacular two-color varieties – yellow-bronze, violet-white, etc.

Form flower - cup-shaped. Petals are oval or pointed. These crocuses require well-drained soil in a sunny location. They look spectacular in rock gardens, under trees and shrubs, on lawns, in flower beds, borders and containers. Suitable for forcing. Plant height 8-10 cm.

Blooming season – end of winter - early spring.

The best varieties: Crocus Miss Vain . It has goblet-shaped flowers of a delicate creamy white color.Flowers in “bouquets” of 3 or more pieces. Stigmas are orange.

Crocus Prins Claus . Will not leave anyone indifferent! It differs from other varieties in its spectacular two-tone color. The petals are white with dark purple spots on the outside.

Other varieties of Golden-flowered Crocus: Crocus Goldilocks, Crocus Ard Schenk.

Crocus Prins Claus (photo)

Crocus Tomasini or Tomasini saffron

(Crocus tommasinianus)

It grows wild in Hungary and the Balkan Peninsula. Hiscoloring varies from lilac color until dark purple. The flowers are star-shaped, usually wide open.
Theirsize – up to 5 cm in diameter.
Petals narrow with sharp ends. It looks good in mass plantings on lawns, under trees and bushes, as well as in rock gardens.
Ideal for creating compositions in pots and tubs. Suitable for forcing.
Growing on any soil with good drainage.
Location – full sun.
Blooms in February-March for 3-4 weeks. Plant height is about 10 cm.

The best varieties : Crocus Ruby Giant . It has flowers of rich purple-violet color. Stigmas are yellow-orange in color.

Other varieties of Crocus Tomasini : Crocus Yalta, Crocus Barr's Purple.

Crocus Ruby Giant (photo)

Beautiful crocus

(Crocus speciosus)

Refers to autumn-blooming crocuses It thrives in the wild in the Crimea, the Caucasus, the Balkans and Asia Minor.Flowers large in size, numerous (up to 5 flowers on one plant).
Size The flower is amazing - about 7 cm in diameter!
Flowers usually light purple with a violet tint. But today there are crocuses of other colors: white, dark blue, violet-blue, lilac, blue. The longitudinal purple veins are clearly visible on the petals.
Flowering period – early autumn. Plant height is about 10 cm.

The best varieties: Crocus Conqueror (photo)

Crocus Etruscan(Crocus etruscus, Tuscan crocus). Another name for this species is Tuscan Crocus. Refers tospring blooming crocuses Comes from northern Italy. It is listed in the Red Book.Flowers lilac in color, pale on the outside, with clearly visible light small veins and a yellow throat. Thisview It spreads very quickly and, unfortunately, runs wild. Requires a sunny location. Plant height – up to 10 cm.

The best varieties: Crocus Etruscus zwanenburg (photo).

Crocus Susiana(Crocus susianus). One ofthe most beautiful spring blooming crocuses. It hasbright orange flowers with longitudinal dark brown strokes. The petals are shiny, oblong in shape.Size flower - 3 cm in diameter.Flowering period – mid-April. Flowering duration is about 3 weeks.

The best varieties: Crocus Angustifolius (photo)

Crocuses: when to plant at home

Delicate and beautiful crocuses can begrow not only in the flowerbed, you can use them to decorate your apartment or country house.Crocuses They look very impressive and sophisticated in containers and flowerpots. They will complement the interior of any room or other space. When is the best timeplant crocuses? Everything will depend on when you want to see the flowering plant. Do you want to please yourself blooming flower for New Year? Thenplant crocuses In the end of August , if you want to give it as a gift on the eighth of March, then it is better to plant a crocusIn November . You can regulate the flowering period yourself at home!

Do not forget , that the bulbs for planting need to be prepared in advance!In June dry the bulbs, and then keep them at very highhigh temperature (about 34 degrees Celsius). After a week, you can lower the temperature a little and continue lowering it every 14 days.Optimal temperature for mid-August - 17 degrees above zero. Around September, a new stage begins -hardening of the bulb . Find a cool room, a cellar, a cool garage, or even a refrigerator will do. The readings on the thermometer should be around six degrees Celsius. In a month you canplant plant in a pot.

Plant crocuses are very easy. Select nutritious but not heavy soil, place it in a pot and plant a few bulbs. Theyshould not touch the walls of the container, as well as each other. After thatremove crocuses in a cool place for two months, and then we put them in our room. In 14 days you will enjoy beautifulflowers.

Many gardeners and florists recommend planting crocus bulbs onlyin autumn time. After all, the preparation for planting itself can take 15 weeks. Crocuses planted in the fall usually bloom during the colder months. For example, a crocus planted in Septemberblooms by the New Year, and in November - by the eighth of March. This applies to crocuses in pots and containers. If you grow crocuses in the garden or country house, thenoptimal time for landing - early September. Then in the spring your garden will definitely be decorated with beautiful and delicate flowers. If you want to plant a crocusin the spring , then you can do this, but the bulb must go through the entire cycle: heat, decrease in temperature, cold and increase in temperature again. In early spring, it is difficult to find a room where the air temperature is 34 degrees. And in the middle of summer, look for refrigerators. More oftenin the spring Crocuses are planted in pots by professional flower growers, collectors or florists who have all the necessary premises and special refrigerators.

For many gardeners, spring is characterized by beautiful and tender crocuses. Many varieties begin to bloom when the snow has not yet melted. This is an excellent spectacle! If you want to get large, healthy and very beautiful buds, then you need to know where the crocus isit will bloom better Total. To do this, choose sunny places, because in nature crocus grows on sunny slopes. Rare varieties will bloom spectacularlyin partial shade . An open and sunny area is the key to beautiful flowering. In very light partial shade the plant blooms, but the flower size will become much smaller. Be sure to pay attention to the soil. On highly fertile, moist or clay soils, crocuswill not bloom . Light nutritious soilperfect plant. So where isblooms our crocus? In a sunny area and on properly selected soil. A novice amateur gardener must remember these two rules.Remember! Every five years you need to replant crocuses, otherwise they will no longer delight you with their beauty.

Crocuses have bloomed: what to do

Unfortunately, crocuses will bloom sooner or later, but next year will again delight you with delicate flowers.After flowering Many gardeners cut off flower stalks. Butdo not touch green leaves, because they will continue to decorate your garden.
If the leaves have dried, you can dig up the bulbs for forcing or for other purposes (transplanting to a new location). It is also recommended to replant crocusesevery five years. If you planted the plant recently, it is best to use bulbs at all.do not touch .
Mulch the soil dry leaves or peat and wait for the new season.

Crocus is the Latin name for an ornamental perennial that has taken root along with saffron. A plant with a bright palette of colors is popular in gardening and is grown in greenhouses and at home using the forcing method. In nature, crocuses inhabited the center and south of Europe and the Caucasus. Crimea, most Asia. Some species are endangered and are therefore listed in the Red Books of European countries. Low and medium-sized crops with narrow leaves and goblet-shaped flowers decorate the landscape of city parks and private areas in early spring and in autumn.

Botanical description and distribution

The scientific name of the herbaceous, bulbous plant is saffron; from the photo, many people know it as a crocus. The culture belongs to the Iris or Iris family. The genus saffron has more than 80 species. The flower will grow from a bulb with a diameter of up to 3 cm. It can be spherical or flattened in shape. The outside of the bulb is covered with brown or reddish scales. A fibrous root is formed in its lower part. There is no aboveground stem, the leaves are narrow, linear, and rigid. From below they are covered with vaginal scales. Green foliage may appear before or after flowering. In many species, the basal leaves have a light longitudinal stripe.

Saffron is often called crocus

Information. Saffron is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It was known in Ancient Egypt several thousand years BC. e. Appeared in Europe in the 10th century. thanks to the Arabs. The Latin word crocus means thread and is associated with elongated pistils. The Arabic name “saffron” is translated as yellow, it is associated with the coloring ability of the flower.

Flowers emerge one or two at a time from the corm itself. They are located on a leafless peduncle 7-25 cm long. The size of the flower in different species ranges from 3 to 8 cm. The bud has 6 petals, blooming only in clear sunny weather. On a cloudy day, the buds are closed, but this does not diminish their beauty. A blooming crocus flower looks like a cup or a star. The stamens of the plant are attached to the pharynx of the perianth; the style (part of the pistil) has three stigmas that serve to catch pollen. Stigma is the most valuable part of the plant; when dried, it is a food coloring, medical raw material and the famous spice - saffron.

The flower has three stigmas, which are used as a spice.

Information. Saffron sativum is cultivated to collect stigmas. The plant is sterile because it was obtained by crossing several species.

Based on the color of flowers, natural species are divided into two groups: yellow-flowered (color from light yellow to orange) and blue-flowered (violet, lilac, blue). Cultivated varieties are more varied in color; two-colored specimens have been bred. In terms of popularity in gardening, crocuses are second only to tulips and daffodils.

Saffron - uses of the plant

Dried saffron stigmas have long been used as a spice with a specific aroma and bitter taste. Today, 90% of the crop is grown in Iran. The spice is used in cooking for preparing rice, peas, and soups. It indicates a preservative effect, keeping the dish fresh for several days.

Information. In ancient times, saffron was valued more than gold and 15 times more expensive than black pepper. And not surprisingly, to prepare 1 kg of stigmas, it was necessary to manually process 200 thousand flowers.

Dried saffron stigmas are of great value

Saffron stigmas are used in medicine. Compositions based on them have antispasmodic and stimulating effects. IN folk recipes Dried stigmas are used as an analgesic and diuretic. They increase appetite. Medical properties are manifested due to the chemical composition of the plant. The following was found in the stigmas:

essential oil;
gum;
vitamins;
crocin dye;
fatty oil;
flavonoids.

The stigmas contain a coloring substance used in Food Industry. The natural compound crocin allows you to give a yellow tint to cheeses, liqueurs, dough, and soft drinks.

Varieties of crocuses

Numerous photos of crocuses prove their importance decorative use in the design of gardens and home interiors. This is one of the first crops to bloom in spring in open ground. All types of crocuses are divided into 15 broad groups, 14 of which include plants that bloom in spring, autumn varieties collected in one group.

Spring flowering (April-May)

At the beginning of spring, without waiting for the snow to completely melt, crocuses bloom in the garden. In open ground they are grown in flower beds, lawns, and alpine hills. Already in April, the primrose opens cup-shaped buds on a short peduncle. Leaves may appear after flowering. They are narrow, green in color, and may have a light stripe in the middle. A month after the flower a seed pod appears on the surface.

Spring crocus (Crocus Vernus) is a herbaceous plant 15-17 cm high. The flower is funnel-shaped, white or lilac color, anther yellow. The mother bulb is renewed annually. 1-2 flowers grow from it. Most often, Dutch hybrids are planted in gardens. In total, about 50 varieties of the crop are registered. Based on color, they are divided into three groups: white, mesh and plain (lilac, violet and others). Flowering lasts a little more than two weeks.

Spring crocus

Among the common varieties:

"Remeberance" - large flowers with a diameter of more than 5 cm of a purple hue with a silvery sheen;
"Pickwick" - petals are rounded, light lilac with gray veins;
"Snowstor" - round flowers with a diameter of 5 cm, snow-white with purple stripes at the base;
"Nigro Boy" is a dark purple flower with a purple base, characterized by late blooming - in May.

Golden-flowered crocus (Crocus chrysanthus) – height up to 20 cm. The leaves are narrow, appear in early April along with yellow flowers. The bulb is spherical, slightly flattened. The perianth lobes bend outward.

Golden-flowered crocus

There are varieties:

Snowbunting - with white petals and a golden center;
Blue pearl - blue with yellow bases;
Lady killer - purple on the outside and white on the inside;
Blue Bonnet 0 blue petals with yellow spot in the throat.

Heyfel's Crocus (Crocus heuffelianus) is named after the Hungarian botanist J. Heyfel. This species is common in the Carpathians. Plant height is 10-19 cm, the corm is round. The leaves are linear with curled edges. There is a silver stripe in the center. The petals are purple, less often white. WITH outside darker. Flowering period – 25 days.

Heifel's Crocus

Net saffron (Crocus reticulatus) is a rare species listed in the Red Book. Found in Central and Eastern Europe, Crimea, Transcaucasia. Height 15 cm, bulb spherical. The leaves become significantly longer after flowering. The color is white or purple, with purple stripes on the outside of the petals.

Saffron net

Tomasini saffron (Crocus tomasinianus) is one of the earliest spring varieties. The plant is unpretentious and thrives in shaded areas. The height of the crocus is 7-8 cm, the diameter of the flower is 2-4 cm, this is one of the most miniature species. The color of the petals is lilac, purple, white. It grows easily in any conditions and is often found in parks.

Saffron Tomasini

“Lilac beauty” - purple petals;
“Ruby Giant” - large star-shaped flowers have a purple-violet color;
"Roseus" - soft pink and white petals.

Autumn-blooming (September-October)

A large group of decorative crocus blooms in the fall, like the last chord of a fading garden. Autumn crocuses are low and compact; they are used in border plantings along paths. Bright flowers look great at the foot of trees and shrubs. Saffron, which blooms in September, decorates the rocky alpine coaster. Often the crop is grown in pots and flowerpots. Flowers decorate the entrance area, window sills, and terrace in picturesque groups. Among the autumn species:

Beautiful crocus (Crocus speciosus) is one of the largest autumn crocuses. Its leaves reach 30 cm, the diameter of the flowers is 7-8 cm. The color is lilac, purple with dark veins. The petals are symmetrical with pointed tips. Flowering continues for a month. The number of leaves is 2-4, length is up to 40 cm. The stigmas contain a dye.

The appearance of the flower fully justifies its name

Garden forms:

Albrus - white petals;
Artabir - a variety with blue inflorescences and purple veins;
Oxinan – distinguished by pointed petals, slightly bent back, color – purple.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant that is not found in the wild and is propagated by humans. It is cultivated for its stigmas, which are used as a popular spice. Height herbaceous plant 12-30 cm. The bulb is spherical with fibrous roots. Fragrant large flowers come in white, purple and yellow. They consist of 6 folding petals. The stigmas are long, red, hanging between the petals.

This species cannot be found in the wild

Pallas saffron (Crocus pallasii) - narrow green leaves emerge from the ground in April, and flowering does not begin until September. Spectacular buds up to 5 cm in diameter, light purple in color with purple veins. Stigmas are yellow. It grows naturally in Transcaucasia.

Pallas saffron

Hill or valley crocus (Crocuse vallicola) is a miniature plant 6-12 cm. It grows in Asia Minor and Transcaucasia in mountain meadows. The corm is flat, covered with a fibrous shell. The leaves appear in the spring and dry out by summer. The petals are white, the stigmas are short and orange.

Crocus hill

Banat crocus (Crocus banaticus) is a large species that grows in deciduous forests and meadows of Eastern Europe. Height 15-30 cm, leaves are thin, flowers are pale lilac or purple. Each bulb produces up to two flowers. The three inner petals are significantly smaller than the three outer ones. The plant was first described in 1831 by the French scientist J. E. Ge. Crocus is listed in the Red Book in Serbia and Ukraine.

Crocus banatiiGrowing crocuses

Regardless of the flowering time, decorative saffron is grown using the same technology. A sunny place with loose, well-drained soil is chosen for it. The soil should be fertile, neutral, structured with an admixture of sand. The composition of the soil can be improved by adding compost and humus before planting. Per sq. m will require 15 kg of compost and 100 g of superphosphates, providing abundant flowering. Plants overwinter in the ground.

Attention. Saffron is grown in one place for 4-6 years.

Landing

Crocus or saffron, which blooms in the spring, is planted in the fall, and autumn varieties are planted in late summer. Before planting, the bulbs are inspected, choosing only healthy material. Autumn flowers planted in groups of 5, at a distance of 5-6 cm from each other. In light soil they are buried to a depth twice the height of the bulb. After a few years, each bulb produces many children, the flowers form a continuous carpet, but due to crowding, the size of the buds decreases. It is recommended to plant the plants in other areas.

Saffron is a corm plant

Care

Saffron requires minimal care: watering, loosening the soil and weeding. There is no need to moisten flowers often; weather conditions must be taken into account. Excess moisture– a fertile environment for fungal infections. After flowering, faded leaves and flowers are cut off, the bulbs are left in the ground or dug up for drying and sorting.

Reproduction

The best way to propagate crocuses is by daughter bulbs. They are dug up and dried for 2-3 months in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Then they clean off old roots and exfoliated scales. Spoiled copies are immediately thrown away. You can propagate saffron by seeds, but this method does not always preserve varietal characteristics and delays the flowering time by 2-3 years. Autumn crocus is a plant that does not always have time to produce a ripe seed pod before the onset of cold weather.

Over time, crocuses grow in large families

The saffron flower is insect-pollinated or self-pollinating. Its fruit grows and ripens underground, and is thrown to the surface already formed, ready to open. Seeds of spring-flowering varieties are planted in the ground in the fall or in spring in containers for seedlings.

Growing crocuses does not create difficulties or problems with care, and the bright blooms will be a wonderful accent of the garden.

Moscow, Russia, on the website from 01/11/2017

The genus of crocuses or saffrons is quite numerous, it includes about 80 species, about half of them are used in decorative floriculture. Both natural forms and varieties and hybrids created by breeders are grown in gardens. The classification of natural species is quite complex and has changed several times over the past 200 years. It is now common to divide the genus into two subgenera, Crocus and Crociris, based on the structure of the bulb and the presence or absence of an involucre at the base of the flower frog.

The subgenus Crociris contains the only species crocus banat(C. banaticus), 10-14 cm tall, with funnel-shaped perianths, the color of which varies from light lilac to dark purple. This flower, which blooms in September, grows wild in Romania, is considered rare, but the easiest to cultivate, and has an unusual shape reminiscent of irises. Its internal rounded segments are half as long as the pointed external ones; the yellow anthers contrast effectively with the dissected pale purple stigmas.

The subgenus Crocus includes all other species, which are conventionally divided into 15 groups or series, differing in the structure of the corm shells. Not all of them are of interest for decorative floriculture; some consist of one or 2-3 rather rare wild varieties that are not used in cultivation.

Mostly plants belonging to the following groups are grown in gardens:

crocus (crocus) (sown and Pallas);

Kochi (kotchschyani) (K. Sharoyan and Valley);

return (verni) (to spring and Tomasini);

biflori (golden and two-flowered);

speciosi (k. beautiful);

flavi (k.yellow);

reticulati (K. Zibera);

orientales (k. Korolkova).

Crocus flower in the photo

Crocus blue, blue and white may bloom in autumn

Blue crocus flower in the photo

Beautiful crocus(C. speciosus), the most popular and largest-flowered species, with blue-violet, adorned with darker or purple veins, fragrant flowers up to 12 cm in diameter. They bloom in September on leafless peduncles reaching 12-18 cm, and bloom during month. Leaves, 20-30 cm long, 0.6 -1.3 cm wide, appear from the ground in spring and die off by early July. In nature, the plant is found in the Balkans, Asia Minor, as well as in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

There are many garden forms of different colors, among which are:

blue crocus Cassiope

lilac Artabir

white Albus

light purple Pallux.

Crocus sativa(C. sativus), cultivated throughout the world on an industrial scale, its flowers are used as the spice “saffron”. The plant is 10-30 cm high with narrow, only a few millimeters wide, erect leaves covered with cilia and curved at the ends. Light purple or white flowers bloom on shortened flower shoots, have a 6-petal corolla and a 10-15 mm long tube, and have a pleasant violet scent. Unlike the previous species, leaves appear along with flowers or immediately after them, mass flowering lasts one to two weeks, and each individual flower lives for about three days. India is considered to be the birthplace of the species, however, the plant currently grown is a hybrid, the result of natural crossing of several ancient varieties of the crop.

Crocus Pallas(C. pallasii), less common in gardens, low-growing, no higher than 5-6 cm, with single pale purple flowers with a pink tint, having a purple base, veins of the same color and strongly bent perianth edges. The diameter of the corolla is up to 4.5 cm. It blooms in September and blooms for 30 days; narrow linear leaves about 20 cm long appear in April. It grows wild in Asia Minor, the Balkans, and in the territory of the former USSR - in the Crimea.

Even more rarely in gardens you can find bright orange blossoming at the end of summer. Crocus Sharoyan(C. scharojanii), a Caucasian species with bare leaves up to 20 cm long, up to 1.3 cm wide, sometimes remaining until the next flowering.

AND white valley crocus(C. vallicola), blooming in August or early September. The latter's leaves appear in early April and are completely dry at the beginning of June.

Yellow and red crocus blooms more often in spring

They bloom in spring, from early April to May, and in countries with warmer climates at the end of winter (February).

There are two groups:

botanical crocuses(C. botanical), including small-flowered natural forms and varieties.

And grandiflora(C. largeflowering), Dutch hybrids obtained from the spring crocus.

Of the botanical species in the gardens of the middle zone, the following are grown:

Golden crocus(C. chrysanthus), up to 20 cm high, with narrow leaves appearing along with flowers that bloom in April and bloom for about 15-20 days. The natural appearance is golden yellow, with shiny outside and curved perianth lobes, often having darker stripes and streaks in the outer part of the base. There are many differently colored varieties, including hybrids obtained with the participation of other species, in particular the two-flowered crocus.

Hybrids of the Chrysanthus group, unlike the Dutch ones, are smaller in size, bloom earlier, and are multi-flowered - several buds appear simultaneously from one bulb.

Popular varieties:

Princess Biatrix, blue with yellow base

White White triumphant

cream Beauty cream

light yellow Mammut

purple with golden throat Violet Queen.

There are a number of forms in which the petals have contrasting colors, with stripes and various strokes:

Nanette, with large cream flowers decorated with purple markings on the outside.

Lady Killer, snow-white inside, lilac-purple outside with light streaks, etc.

Below are a few more photos of crocus varieties from the Chrysanthus group:

Crocus Ruby Giant in the photo

Crocus Zwanenburg Bronze in the photo

Crocus Prince Clause in the photo

Crocus Princess Beatrix in the photo

Crocus two-flowered or Scottish(C. biflorus), grows naturally in the south and southwest of Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. The natural species has red or purple petals and yellow stigmas, unusual for crocuses.

There are variegated varieties:

Alexandri, very decorative, dark purple on the outside with a narrow white edge, snow-white on the inside.

Parkinsonia, with the outer petals straw-yellow, the inner petals white with small blue splashes, the inside snow-white with an orange center.

There are monochromatic cultivars, for example:

pure white Albus

Fairy bluish tint.

Crocus yellow(C. flavus Weston), a plant native to the mountainous regions of the Balkans and Asia Minor, grows up to 20 cm, has linear, ciliated leaves about 10 cm long and short (5-8 cm) peduncles with large golden-orange flowers. The diameter of the perianth reaches 7 cm, and the length of the tube is 8 cm. It blooms for 20 days in early spring (April).

The well-known variety Largest Yellow is distinguished by even larger, flat, dark yellow, cup-shaped flowers than the natural species, decorated with dark stripes on the outside.

Crocus Tomasini

Crocus Tomasini or Neapolitan(C. tomasinianus) is one of the most unpretentious spring primroses, found wild in the Balkans, Bulgaria, and Hungary. Adapts well to any conditions and can grow in relatively shaded areas without special care. Blooms in early April, natural forms have perianths of pink-lilac tones, 3-5 cm in diameter, with a whitish core.

The following varieties are common in decorative floriculture:

Ruby Giant, a dark purple-red crocus with large flowers.

Lilac Lilac Beauty

Whitewell Purple, dark purple-purple with a mauve center.

Crocus Sibera

Crocus Sibera(C. sieberi), quite rare for our gardens and at the same time one of the most beautiful ornamental species. The plant comes from the mountainous regions of Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, is 8-10 cm high, and is distinguished by its original three-color color. In natural specimens, the petals can range from light pink to deep purple, the center is usually yellow with bright orange pistils.

Garden forms are especially attractive:

Bowlesis White, a pure white variety with a bright orange throat;

Atticus, a bright blue crocus with a yellow-orange center;

Tricolor, a cultivar with petals dark purple above, lighter below, and a bright yellow throat.

Crocus Korolkova

Crocus Korolkova(C. korolkowii Maw ex Regel), a low, up to 6 cm, Central Asian species with bright orange flowers, covered with red stripes on the outside, there are varieties of Russian selection, in particular, Kiss of Spring, Glory to Samarkand, Tiger.

Spring crocus(C. vernus), the most common spring-flowering species in cultivation, grows naturally in high-mountain meadows in the Pyrenees and Alps. In nature, it has single lilac or violet flowers with a diameter of up to 5 cm. This variety has served as the material for the creation of numerous hybrid varieties that are widely grown throughout the world, which are usually classified as a separate group of large-flowered crocuses or Dutch hybrids.

Crocus Vanguard and Flower Record

Photos and descriptions of some of the most common varieties in our country are presented below:

Joan of Arc(Joan Of Arc), white, with large (up to 5 cm) flowers growing in 3-5 pieces. from one onion.

Yellow Mammoth(Yellow Mammoth), yellow-flowered, 10-15 cm high;

Vangart(Vanguard), a crocus of a light bluish-lilac color, 10-15 cm high, up to 4.5 cm in diameter.

Nigro Boy(Negro Boy), a hybrid with goblet-shaped perianths measuring 4-5 cm, deep lilac-lilac with a dark purple base.

Flower Record(Flower Record), a lilac-purple crocus, great for forcing.

Remembrance(Remembrance), with dark purple flowers that are goblet-shaped and point upward.

All Dutch varieties bloom for a long time, up to 20 days, but differ significantly in the timing of the onset of flowering.

The earliest ones, for example:

crocus Vangart, bloom in April;

late (Nigro Boy) - at the end of May, which allows you to have flowering specimens in the garden from early spring to early summer.

One of the very first flowers to bloom in spring is the crocus, or saffron. It belongs to the iris family (Iridaceae). This is a genus of perennial corms native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia.

Natural growing conditions explain their “love” for rocky, sandy, loose soils and sunny areas. Dr. David Hession, in his book All About Bulbs, called the crocus one of the "magnificent four" along with the tulip, daffodil and hyacinth.

Crocus - monocotyledonous plant; its narrow elongated leaves with a lighter stripe in the middle resemble the leaves of cereals. The flower consists of six oval-shaped perianth lobes.

Nutrients are stored in the corm, and after flowering and drying of the leaves, 1-3 replacement corms and small daughter corms are formed. The peduncle appears on the surface of the earth earlier or simultaneously with the leaves.

The genus Crocus has about 80 species, not all of which bloom in spring. For example, the beautiful crocus (C. speciosus), Pallas crocus (C. pallasii), and hill crocus (C. vallicola) bloom in September. Although the state of dormancy in the summer months is a common property of all species.

The areas of application of this plant are very diverse. It is a dye, a seasoning, and a medicine, and in the modern world it is a valuable forcing and potting crop, as well as an indispensable component for landscaping.

In the 16th century, crocus (C. sativus) appeared in Europe, although interest in it as a ornamental plant arose later, with the entry of three more species into European gardens: narrow-leaved crocus (C. angustifolius), yellow crocus (C. flavus) and spring crocus (C. vernus). It is to these species that we owe the appearance of the groups of Dutch hybrids (or large-flowered) and the group of Chrysanthus varieties.

The first variety of crocus was registered in 1897; to date, there are more than 200 of them. You will certainly be pleased not only by the wide range of colors, both uniform and plain, and mesh or striped, but also by the variety of varieties - for the most demanding taste.

The varieties also differ in their large stamens and pistils of yellow or orange color of varying degrees of saturation.

Types and varieties of crocus

Saturnus

A beautiful variety with wide-open flat flowers, about 3.5 cm in diameter, with oval lobes. The color is creamy yellow with a dark yellow throat. Outside, at the base of the lobes there is a small brown-green spot, and on the lobes of the outer circle there are thick lilac streaks.

The pistil is slightly longer than the stamens, the anthers are light yellow, sterile, the stigmas are orange-red. Medium flowering period.

Grand Maitre

Spring crocus (C. vernus)

A variety with large beautiful goblet-shaped flowers with a diameter of about 4 cm, with oval lobes. The color of the lobes is deep purple, with a large dark purple spot on the outside at the base. The apices of the lobes of the outer circle are slightly pointed.

The tube is dark purple, up to 6 cm long. The pistil and stamens are quite large, located at the same height. The anthers are bright yellow. Flowering late.

BluePearl

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)

The flowers are cup-shaped, medium in size, about 2 cm in diameter. The variety is distinguished by the presence of aroma. The color of the lobes is white with a soft blue tint. The base color is deep yellow. On the outside, the lobes may have rare blue-violet streaks of varying saturation.

The pistil is large, located above the stamens, the anthers are cream colored. The variety is characterized by early flowering.

Pickwick

Spring crocus (C. vernus)

Leaves appear before flowers. The flowers are very large, 4 cm high and 5-6 cm in diameter. Their shape is goblet-shaped. The color of the lobes is heterogeneous, the lobes are white with a delicate lilac shade, have dark purple, almost violet, stripes (strokes).

Spots of rich dark purple color are visible at the base. The stamens are large, bright yellow. Flowering occurs late.

MammothYellow

Spring crocus (C. vernus)

A characteristic feature of this variety is that it is the largest of the crocuses with a yellow color. The diameter of the flower is 2.5 cm, and its height can be up to 3.5 cm. The flowers are wide open and flat in shape.

The color of the lobes is light yellow, becoming richly golden under the rays of the spring sun. The base of the lobes is darker. This variety blooms late.

LadyKiller

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)

The flower is medium-sized, 3.5 cm high, up to 3 cm in diameter. The shape of the flower is cup-shaped, almost flat. The inner lobes are pure white, the outer lobes are pale lilac with a white border along the edge. At the base there are small gray-blue spots.

Anthers yellow, sterile. The pistil rises above the stamens. Flowering takes place in early dates. The variety has a light pleasant aroma.

KingofStriped

Spring crocus (C. vernus)

Leaves appear before flowers. The flowers are 3.5-4 cm high, reach about 4 cm in diameter, goblet-shaped, with almost rounded lobes. Their coloring is reticulate. The outer lobes are white and lilac, the inner ones have lilac stripes.

At the base of the lobes there is a large, clearly visible light purple spot. The anthers and stigmas are bright yellow. Flowering late.

Romance

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)

The flowers are cup-shaped, almost flat, small, about 3 cm in diameter, with oval lobes. The color of the lobes is delicate, creamy yellow, the outer lobes are a pleasant cream color. There is a small spot on the outside at the base of the lobes.

The tube is grayish-cream, about 3 cm long. The pistil is longer than the stamens. The anthers are creamy. Leaves with a central white stripe along their entire length. Medium flowering variety.

Purpureus Grandiflorus

Spring crocus (C. vernus)

Leaves appear before flowers. The flowers are large, goblet-shaped, and can reach 5 cm in diameter. The color of the perianth lobes is bright purple, slightly darkening at the ends. At the base of the outer lobes it is visible by a large blurred dark spot.

The large bright yellow fringed stigmas of the pistil protrude significantly above the bright yellow stamens. Flowering occurs late.

SnowBunting

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)

The variety was bred in 1926. The flowers are medium in size and have a noticeable aroma. The predominant color of the lobes is white. The color of the base of the internal lobes is bronze-yellow. Large dark bronze stripes are visible on the outside.

The pistil is massive, rising above the medium-sized yellow stamens. The variety is very effective when the flowers are fully opened in bright sun. Blooms early.

Flower Record

Spring crocus (C. vernus)

In this variety, the leaves appear before the flowers. The flowers are goblet-shaped, large, up to 4.5 cm in diameter, tube up to 4.5 cm long. The oval lobes have pointed tips. The color of the lobes is dark purple with a violet tint.

At the base of the lobes there is a small blurred purple spot. The bright yellow stigmas of the pistil are located above the yellow stamens. Flowering late.

GipsyGirl

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)

The plant is 7 - 10 cm high. The flower shape is cup-shaped, opening wide. The flower is medium-sized, up to 3.5 cm in diameter. The color of the internal lobes is light yellow with a dark yellow base; the outer lobes are lighter, creamy yellow with clear, wide dark purple, brownish strokes.

The dark red stigmas of the pistil rise above the dark yellow stamens. The variety is distinguished by early flowering.

Crocuses in landscape design

Crocuses bloom in late April - early May. They are cold-resistant, can withstand frosts down to -5 - 7°C. Flowering duration is 10 - 15 days. To increase the flowering period, it is recommended to select varieties different periods: early, middle, late.

Once every 4 - 5 years, the curtains are planted for rejuvenation; annual replanting is not required. Corms are planted in September at a distance of at least 7 cm from each other.

Now there are many species of crocuses on sale. When purchasing such corms, you should take into account that the diameter of the flower will be smaller, the colors will not be as varied as possible, and earlier flowering can lead to the death of the plant due to inconsistency with the natural or weather conditions of the region.

However, the undoubted advantages of species crocuses are their relative unpretentiousness and early flowering (under favorable conditions); they will also be of interest to collectors.

Crocuses and other early-flowering bulbs are indispensable for creating spring color in the garden. They look good in group plantings with botanical tulips, low-growing daffodils, hyacinths, muscari, galanthus, scylla, and primroses.

Beautiful combinations are formed by clumps of crocuses against the background of ground cover perennial species or a growing lawn. When growing on a lawn, remember that crocus leaves cannot be removed until they are completely dry, as this will affect the lawn mowing.

Groups consisting only of crocuses of nuanced or contrasting colors, which are later replaced by annual flowers, look good. Crocuses are often used for planting in gravel gardens, rock gardens and rock gardens.

These plants are for open ground, but they are also used for forcing and as a potted crop. If you have blooming crocuses on your window and you want to extend their life by planting them in the ground, you should follow simple recommendations.

The simplest thing is if the plant bloomed in the spring. Then a green, possibly still blooming crocus with an earthen lump can be transferred to the soil already at the end of May - June. If the flowering plant was purchased earlier, then after flowering you should gradually reduce watering, and after the leaves turn yellow, water very rarely.

The pot with the dried stem must be moved to a dry, dark place until September. Such a corm can be planted in the ground without a clod of soil. In both cases, flowering should be expected no earlier than after a season - due to severe depletion of the corm. They are not suitable for re-forcing.

Ksenia Kruglova

Perennial crocus plants delight gardeners at the same time as snowdrops - they are one of the first to appear on islands of land freed from snow, and bloom for about a month. All species diversity crocuses are divided into 15 large groups. The first of them is given to autumn varieties. All other 14 groups of crocuses are spring flowers with narrow linear leaves and petals of various shades.

What crocuses look like and photos of flowers

Crocuses (saffron) are the earliest flowering of the Kasatikov family. The genus Crocus has about 20 species. Wild crocuses can be found in alpine meadows, in the mountains, on rocky screes of the Crimea, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Mediterranean and in central Europe. Most crocuses bloom in the spring, but there are also fall-blooming species.

Multi-colored crocuses, appearing in snowy patches along with snowdrops and scylla, bring spring to the garden and tell us - it’s the end of winter, it’s time to move into the garden. And although many gardeners prefer to live in the city, the blooming of crocuses marks the beginning of the summer season.

What do crocuses look like and what kind? distinctive feature have flowers of all kinds?

A characteristic feature of crocuses is the absence of an aboveground stem. The inflorescences are quite large, directed upward. According to the description, crocus flowers at the moment of blooming resemble glasses or funnels, each has six petals, they come straight from the corm. Blooming flowers may be star-shaped or cup-shaped.

Look at the photo to see what crocuses look like - the colors of the flowers of these plants are very diverse:

There are flowers with white, lilac, lilac, violet, yellow, orange, and pink petals. There are no pure red ones.

In the center of each flower there is always a bright orange pistil glowing. The leaves are narrow-linear, usually with a longitudinal white stripe. U spring crocuses leaves appear during or after flowering, the seed pod emerges on the surface of the earth a month after flowering.

Here you can see photos of crocus flowers of various types:

How to grow crocus flowers

How to grow crocuses in your garden? It is preferable to choose a sunny place for planting, although the plants tolerate shading in the afternoon. Another important condition planting crocuses - loose, drained soil. Sandy loam soil with a neutral reaction is optimal. Plants cannot tolerate fresh manure. Crocuses are grown in one place for 4-6 years. For full development, plants need sufficient amounts of mineral and organic fertilizers. Before planting, the soil needs to be well-dressed: 15 kg of well-rotted manure or compost and 100-150 g of superphosphate are added per 1 m2. Spring-flowering varieties and species are planted in September. The bulbs are planted to a depth of 8-10 cm at a distance of 5-15 cm.

They are unpretentious in culture. After planting, when caring for crocuses, water the plants only as needed. Fertilizing is carried out immediately after the snow melts with mineral fertilizer with a reduced dose of nitrogen, and at the end of flowering only with superphosphate. Digging of bulbs begins in the second half of July, when seed pods emerge to the surface of the soil, indicating the end of the growing season.

The dug up corms are dried in the shade for several days, then cleaned of soil, roots, leaves and old mother bulbs. Continue drying in a ventilated area at a temperature of 18-20 °C. 1-2 weeks before planting, the temperature is reduced to 10 °C.

Crocus is the Latin name for an ornamental perennial that has taken root along with saffron. A plant with a bright palette of colors is popular in gardening and is grown in greenhouses and at home using the forcing method. In nature, crocuses inhabited the center and south of Europe and the Caucasus. Crimea, most of Asia. Some species are endangered and are therefore listed in the Red Books of European countries. Low and medium-sized crops with narrow leaves and goblet-shaped flowers adorn the landscape of city parks and private plots in early spring and autumn.

Botanical description and distribution

Information. Saffron is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It was known in Ancient Egypt several thousand years BC. e. Appeared in Europe in the 10th century. thanks to the Arabs. The Latin word crocus means thread and is associated with elongated pistils. The Arabic name “saffron” is translated as yellow, it is associated with the coloring ability of the flower.

Information. Saffron sativum is cultivated to collect stigmas. The plant is sterile because it was obtained by crossing several species.

Saffron - uses of the plant

Information. In ancient times, saffron was valued more than gold and 15 times more expensive than black pepper. And not surprisingly, to prepare 1 kg of stigmas, it was necessary to manually process 200 thousand flowers.

Saffron stigmas are used in medicine. Compositions based on them have antispasmodic and stimulating effects. In folk recipes, dried stigmas are used as an analgesic and diuretic. They increase appetite. Medical properties are manifested due to the chemical composition of the plant. The following was found in the stigmas:

essential oil;
gum;
vitamins;
crocin dye;
fatty oil;
flavonoids.

The stigmas contain a coloring substance used in the food industry. The natural compound crocin allows you to give a yellow tint to cheeses, liqueurs, dough, and soft drinks.

Varieties of crocuses

Numerous photos of crocuses prove the importance of their decorative use in the design of gardens and home interiors. This is one of the first crops to bloom in spring in open ground. All types of crocuses were divided into 15 broad groups, 14 of them include plants that bloom in spring, autumn varieties are collected in one group.

Spring flowering (April-May)

Spring crocus (Crocus Vernus) is a herbaceous plant 15-17 cm high. The flower is funnel-shaped, white or purple, the anther is yellow. The mother bulb is renewed annually. 1-2 flowers grow from it. Most often, Dutch hybrids are planted in gardens. In total, about 50 varieties of the crop are registered. Based on color, they are divided into three groups: white, mesh and plain (lilac, violet and others). Flowering lasts a little more than two weeks.

Among the common varieties:

"Remeberance" - large flowers with a diameter of more than 5 cm of a purple hue with a silvery sheen;
"Pickwick" - petals are rounded, light lilac with gray veins;
"Snowstor" - round flowers with a diameter of 5 cm, snow-white with purple stripes at the base;
"Nigro Boy" is a dark purple flower with a purple base and is distinguished by late blooming - in May.

There are varieties:

Snowbunting - with white petals and a golden center;
Blue pearl - blue with yellow bases;
Lady killer - purple on the outside and white on the inside;
Blue Bonnet 0 blue petals with a yellow spot in the throat.

“Lilac beauty” - purple petals;
“Ruby Giant” - large star-shaped flowers have a purple-violet color;
"Roseus" - soft pink and white petals.

Autumn-blooming (September-October)

A large group of decorative crocus blooms in the fall, like the last chord of a fading garden. Autumn crocuses are low and compact; they are used in border plantings along paths. Bright flowers look great at the base of trees and shrubs. Saffron, which blooms in September, adorns the rocky alpine hills. Often the crop is grown in pots and flowerpots. Flowers decorate the entrance area, window sills, and terrace in picturesque groups. Among the autumn species:

Garden forms:

Albrus - white petals;
Artabir - a variety with blue inflorescences and purple veins;
Oxinan – distinguished by pointed petals, slightly bent back, color – purple.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant that is not found in the wild and is propagated by humans. It is cultivated for its stigmas, which are used as a popular spice. The height of the herbaceous plant is 12-30 cm. The bulb is spherical with fibrous roots. Fragrant large flowers come in white, purple and yellow. They consist of 6 folding petals. The stigmas are long, red, hanging between the petals.

Growing Crocuses

Regardless of the flowering time, decorative saffron is grown using the same technology. A sunny place with loose, well-drained soil is chosen for it. The soil should be fertile, neutral, structured with an admixture of sand. The composition of the soil can be improved by adding compost and humus before planting. Per sq. m will require 15 kg of compost and 100 g of superphosphates, which ensure abundant flowering. Plants overwinter in the ground.

Attention. Saffron is grown in one place for 4-6 years.

Landing

Crocus or saffron, which blooms in the spring, is planted in the fall, and autumn varieties are planted in late summer. Before planting, the bulbs are inspected, choosing only healthy material. Autumn flowers are planted in groups of 5, at a distance of 5-6 cm from each other. In light soil they are buried to a depth twice the height of the bulb. After a few years, each bulb produces many children, the flowers form a continuous carpet, but due to crowding, the size of the buds decreases. It is recommended to plant the plants in other areas.

Care

Saffron requires minimal care: watering, loosening the soil and weeding. There is no need to moisten flowers often; weather conditions must be taken into account. Excess moisture is a fertile environment for fungal infections. After flowering, faded leaves and flowers are cut off, the bulbs are left in the ground or dug up for drying and sorting.

Reproduction

Growing crocuses does not create difficulties or problems with care, and the bright blooms will be a wonderful accent of the garden.