saffron crocus
Crocus sativus
USDA zones6 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 to 6 inches tall3 to 6 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Autumn
- Bloom color
- Lilac purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is a bulb for borders, containers, rock gardens, and food gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average soil of most types. Deer tend to pass it by. Lilac purple flowers open in early to late autumn and attract bees. It grows only 3 to 6 inches tall, so plant it near the front of a bed.
Pairs well with Silver sage, Tarragon, Blue grama, and Garlic chives.
Native range
Garden origin.