Nothing says "Hello Spring" like the dainty flowers of Crocus. Crocus spp., or Spring Crocus, are usually the first flowers to dot the late winter landscape and are an encouraging sign of the upcoming change in season. They usually make their appearance in Bluegrass Region during the month of March, but with the mild winter we have had this year, many people have crocus already blooming throughout the garden.
Crocusare considered perennials because they live from year to year, increasing in size with each passing year. Crocus are really flowering bulbs, like tulips and daffodils. The goblet-shaped Crocus flowers range in bright colors from yellow to purple to white, with several varieties being variegated in color.
Crocusleaves are green and resemble grass; they appear with the flowers. As with other bulb plants, you must be sure the Crocus leaves have yellowed and withered completely before cutting it so the bulb will be able to store enough energy for blooms next year. Crocus are upright flowers growing close to the ground, so they are suited for small spaces, container gardens or under larger perennials and shrubs.
Crocus look the best when they are naturalized throughout the garden or yard, and they grow best in large sunny areas. Spring Crocus are typically planted in the fall or early winter, so when choosing a spot to plant them, remember that many trees and shrubs will continue to be leafless when the Crocus are actually blooming. They will also bloom well before grass starts to grow, so this makes them ideal for naturalizing in a lawn area; by the time grass needs to be mowed, the Crocus are finished for the season. Also, established Crocus clumps bloom earlier than first-year plantings.
If your Crocus are performing poorly, it is probably because they are over-watered in the summer. Crocus like damp soil in the spring and fall, but they want it dry and warm during the summer. Never plant Crocus where you will be growing summer annuals; to give the annuals the water they need, you will drown the Crocus.
Crocus don't require any additional fertilizers or food during the growing season, but they may benefit from a fresh layer of compost worked into the soil. The compost will kick the soil microorganisms into overdrive and your bulbs will thank you by producing more flowers.
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