autumn crocus
Crocus tommasinianus
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size3 to 6 inches tall3 to 6 inches wide
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Pale lavendar to reddish purple with white throat
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand
Garden uses
Notes
Autumn crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) is a bulb for rock gardens, woodland edges, and naturalized drifts. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun, average moisture, and sandy soil. The flowers are pale lavender to reddish purple with a white throat. It forms clumps that stay 3 to 6 inches tall. Deer rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Winter aconite, Spanish bluebell, and Sedge.
Native range
Kriti.