The Flowering Time for Crocus Chrysanthus

Early Bloomers

• Crocus chrysanthus blooms in February and March, often before the snow fully melts off, and one to two weeks before other crocus varieties. Once the flowers fade, the foliage starts to die back. Crocus chrysanthus goes dormant in mid-spring, usually six weeks after the flowers emerge. Wait until the foliage turns straw colored before cutting it back. The leaves continue to feed the roots for next year's growth until they die back naturally.

Flower Colors and Varieties

• The flower emerges in a variety of white, cream, purple and yellow colors. Try Blue Pearl for its lavender-blue flowers, or the bright yellow Goldilocks cultivar. Other cultivars include Advance, Prins Claus and Zwanenburg Bronze. This low-growing plant reaches just 4 to 6 inches tall. Each plant produces green, sword-shaped leaves, followed by four flowers. The flowers open during the day and close up at night, and on overcast days.

Growing Conditions

• Plant Crocus chrysanthus in full sun or part shade for best flowering. Tolerant of rocky and sandy soil, crocuses perform poorly in heavy, wet and clay soil types. Loamy, slightly damp soil creates the ideal growing environment. Plant Crocus chrysanthus in the fall. Space the dormant corms 3 to 4 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep. Once established, crocuses come back year after year without needing extra care. Crocus chrysanthus grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8.

In the Landscape

• One of the first flowers up in spring, Crocus chrysanthus creates early color in the landscape. This small crocus variety grows well in rock gardens and in planted rock walls. Plant Crocus chrysanthus en masse in open areas or in lightly shaded spaces under landscape trees. Grow Crocus chrysanthus along borders, around patios and in perennial flowerbeds. Space later-blooming bulbs around the growing area to avoid empty spaces after the crocus dies back.