Crocus tommasinianus

If you are looking for a crocus to naturalize into a lawn then Crocus tommasinianus is worth consideration.

Not only will it multiply through offsets or bulblets but it will also self seed a lot more readily than most. It is a spring flowering species so plant them in autumn ready for a wonderful show in spring.

This is an early species from Bulgaria through to Hungary. They are also useful in the border, in pots and as additions window boxes.

Varieties

• Crocus tommasinianus var. roseus deeper pink flowers than the species
  
• Crocus tommasinianus var. alba has white flowers
  
• Crocus tommasinianus 'Barr's Purple' has deeper lilac/purple flowers
  
• Crocus tommasinianus Ruby Giant', is a sterile cultivar with reddish purple flowers

Care

• Plant Crocus tommasinianus 8cm deep (3 - 4 inches) at around 4cm apart
  
• Full sun and humus rich a well drained soil
  
• Let foliage die back before mowing
  
• Fertilize with some liquid seaweed fertilizer in spring
  
• Mark larger clumps when in flower and divide in summer to autumn

John Allman 

Crocus resources