Crocuses in Garlogie

Crocus spp.

Crocus
Crocus · Crocus spp.

Hardy spring-flowering bulbs for free-draining soil. Plant them in autumn in sun or light shade, then leave the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the bulbs can store energy for the next year.

12 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Garlogie · last frost ≈ 23 May

Plant out August to September. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Crocus

  1. 01

    Plant Corms

    17 Aug to 16 Sept

    Plant corms during 17th August - 16th September, pointy end up, at a depth of about in free-draining soil. Space them apart and water in thoroughly straight after planting.

  2. 02

    Enjoy the Flowers

    9 Mar to 3 May

    From 9th March to 3rd May, keep the plants in a sunny or lightly shaded spot and avoid overwatering. The blooms are good for cutting, but pick sparingly so the display lasts longer.

  3. 03

    Deadhead Spent Blooms

    14 Mar to 13 May

    Remove faded flowers during 14th March - 13th May so the corm puts energy into next year’s growth. Leave the foliage untouched for at least six weeks after flowering, and don’t tie it up or cut it back early.

  4. 04

    Let Foliage Die Back

    7 Jul to 21 Aug

    Keep the leaves in place from 7th July until they yellow and collapse naturally. This feeds the corm for next year, so only tidy away the tops once they come away easily.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Crocus.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Crocus to consider

Ruby Giant

Large violet-blue flowers with a strong show in late winter and early spring.

Blue Pearl

Pale blue flowers that work well in pots and the front of borders.

Flower Record

Reliable purple flowers that naturalise well in grass and open borders.

Golden Yellow

Clear yellow flowers for a bright early display in beds and containers.

Crocus guides by town

See how Crocus timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.