Ruby Giant
Large violet-blue flowers with a strong show in late winter and early spring.
When to plant Crocuses in Oxford
Crocus spp.
Hardy spring-flowering corms for free-draining soil. Plant in autumn, then leave the foliage in place after flowering so they can feed next year.
12 cm · Full Sun · Low Water
Calibrated to Oxford · last frost ≈ 24 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Plant Corms
14 Sept to 12 NovPlant corms during 14th September - 12th November, pointy end up, about in free-draining soil. Space apart. Water in.
- Put mesh on after planting. Take it off when shoots show.
02
Enjoy the Flowers
8 Feb to 4 Apr 2027From 8th February 2027 to 4th April 2027, enjoy the flowers. They take sun or a little shade. In pots, keep compost moist while they grow. Never waterlogged.
03
Deadhead Spent Blooms
13 Feb to 14 Apr 2027Remove faded flowers from 13th February - 14th April 2027.
03
Let Foliage Die Back
4 Apr to 16 May 2027Leave the foliage in place from 4th April 2027 until it yellows. Do not mow until then.
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
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.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to April.
Crocus guides by town
See how Crocus timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.