Crocus sativus

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Saffron crocusBulbFamily: Iridaceae

Height: 5cmSpread: 5cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front

Soil

Prefers rich soil:

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Crocuses are spring-flowering plants native to Eastern Europe. Blooming from late-winter to early spring, they provide a much-needed source of nectar and pollen for queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation. They are easy to grow and particularly suited to growing in pots, and also naturalising in grass, where they quickly develop large carpets of colour.

The saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, flowers in autumn, producing rich lavender blooms with deep purple veins. As its name suggests it produces the cooking spice saffron, which is actually a bright red three-branched style growing from the centre of the flower. It's easy to grow the saffron crocus and harvest your own saffron, but you need around 150 flowers to produce one gram.

For best results plant Crocus sativus in late summer in gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. Plants are sterile and will not set seed, so propagate by division only.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyes**yesFlowersyes**yesDivideyesyesyes

Crocus ‘Sativus’ and wildlife

Crocus ‘Sativus’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Crocus ‘Sativus’ poisonous?

Crocus ‘Sativus’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People