Spring always brings pretty little flowers. This spring is no exception. Purple crocus flowers are out! These pretty little flowers bring a feeling of joy and awe. Read on to find out more.
Purple Crocus: General Physical Characteristics
Crocus come in a variety of colors including but not limited to yellow, white, purple, orange, and a mixture of some of these colors. The ones in these photos are Crocus tommasinianus Barr’s Purple. Brillian violet-colored petals engulf bright golden orange stigmas and stamens. They sit on slender pale, silvery green stems. The foliage is a similar color and appears grass like. The actual clusters of flowers that are about 3-5” tall.
How to Grow Crocus
Crocuses are bulbs. These plants are perennials, so you plant them once and that’s it. They come back every year, and they basically propagate on their own. Bulbs are very easy to grow. There is one characteristic to be aware of. Some bulbs flower in the spring, and others flower in the fall. Crocus are spring flowering bulbs. They need to be exposed to cold temperatures to break their dormancy. Check to find out the specific planting instructions for the planting zone that you live in. This website has excellent planting instruction.
Now, back to the actual planting. First, be sure to get healthy bulbs. They should be plump, firm, dry to the touch, but not shriveled up dry. Second, plant them with the growing tip facing upwards. This helps the plant to grow up through the soil. Third, cover them with organic mulch. Finally, monitor the area and keep it free of weeds.
Planting Numerous Types of Bulbs
There are so many really beautiful bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, iris, snowdrops, and so many more. Pick a few and create a lovely spray of color for your spring garden. Just be aware of typical flowering times and the height of the flowers. A little bit of time and energy in the fall, can yield amazing results in the spring. This website has great information on creating and planting garden plants.