There are over 80 species of crocus worldwide. There are also numerous breeds. However, only four species play a role in German gardens. They are similar in their demands on soil and care. What you need to know about the different types of crocus.

This autumn crocus has pink flowers

The four main types

  • wild crocus
  • spring crocus
  • autumn crocus
  • Fairy Crocus

wild crocus

Wild crocuses are the first to show their purple flowers. They self-seed and can form huge carpets of flowers. The small-flowered wild crocus does not grow very large overall.

spring crocus

Its flowering period begins in March and lasts into May weather permitting. The large flowers shine in many colors. The spring crocus is usually a cultivated form.

autumn crocus

Autumn crocuses bloom from September to November. The species are often recognizable by the addition "specioso". The flower color is predominantly light purple, but white varieties also occur.

Fairy Crocus

The elf crocus carries the botanical addition: "tommasinianus". This species belongs to the wild crocuses, which are often found in meadows and in some parks.

Fairy crocus flowers in spring. Its flowers have the characteristic purple-white color. There are now some breeds with larger flowers and other colors.

A small selection of popular crocus varieties

Surname kind heyday color flower size growth height
Yellow Giants spring April May yellow large-flowered up to 15 cm
Pickwick spring April May Striped white and purple large-flowered 15 cm
Crocus etruscus "Zwanenburg" spring February March light purple small-blooded 5 - 8 cm
Flower Record spring March Dark red violet large-flowered 7 - 15 cm
Tommasinianus "Roseus" spring February March purple-pink small-blooded 10 centimeters
Orange Monarch spring February March Orange with dark stripes small-blooded 5 - 7 cm
Firefly spring February March pink small-blooded 10 centimeters
Ruby Giant spring February March Crimson Blue-Purple small-blooded 10 centimeters
Kotschyanus "Albus" fall September October White small-blooded about 10 cm
speciosus fall September October blue small-blooded about 10 cm

tips and tricks

You hardly ever get wild crocuses in garden shops. There are exchange markets here, where hobby gardeners are happy to hand over wild crocus bulbs. The internet can also be a good source for wild crocus varieties.

Category:

Vegetable garden