Common Name: crocus
Type: Bulb
Family: Iridaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 0.25 to 0.50 feet
Spread: 0.25 to 0.50 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Deep golden yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Tolerate: Deer, Clay Soil, Black Walnut
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plant corms about 3-4” deep and 3-6” apart in the fall. Allow leaves to die naturally after bloom. If planted in the lawn, foliage should be left unmowed until it yellows (about 6 weeks after bloom). This hybrid crocus is sterile and will not self-seed. Accordingly, supplemental plantings may be necessary, particularly if large drifts are sought. Plants go dormant by late spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crocus × luteus is the most common yellow-flowering crocus. Its parentage is a mix of Crocus flavus and C. angustifolius. This hybrid is believed to have been in cultivation since the 17th century. Each corm produces several upright, cup-like, yellow to orange-yellow flowers with thin olive-green striping on the outside. Typically grows 4-6” tall. Basal, grass-like leaves. Blooms in early spring shortly after snowdrops (Galanthus). Flowers close at night and open up in the morning, but usually remain closed on rainy/cloudy days. Crocuses are among the most widely grown early spring bulbs (actually corms).
Genus name comes from krokos the ancient Greek name for saffron (Crocus sativus.) It is one of the most ancient plant names.
The hybrid name luteus means "yellow" in reference to the color of the flowers.
‘Golden Yellow’ is a large-flowered bright yellow cultivar.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Squirrels, mice and other rodents can be problems. Squirrels seem particularly adept at locating, digging up and eating newly planted corms.
Uses
Brings early spring bloom to the landscape. Mass in lawns, under trees or in sunny woodland areas. Large sweeping drifts under deciduous trees can be spectacular. Also may be grouped in rock gardens, in front of shrubs, along walks or in various other small areas around the home.