Plant profile
Crocus
Quick facts
Botanical name: Crocus spp. In SAF's language of flowers, crocus means foresight.
Crocus at a glance
- Meaning
- foresight
- Colors
- Purple
- Lavender
- Yellow
- White
- Striped
- Vase life
- Grown as a plant (garden or forced bulb), not usually sold cut.
- Season
- Late winter and early spring, February-March.
- Also called
- Dutch crocus, Spring crocus
Pet safety
Spring crocus (Crocus spp.) is not on ASPCA's toxic list; do not confuse with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), which ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
About crocuses
One of the first flowers of spring: small cup-shaped blooms 1 to 1.5 inches across on plants only 2 to 6 inches tall, with grassy leaves marked by a silver stripe. Flowers open in sun and close at night.
Caring for crocuses
Also called: Dutch crocus, Spring crocus. One of the first flowers of spring: small cup-shaped blooms 1 to 1.5 inches across on plants only 2 to 6 inches tall, with grassy leaves marked by a silver stripe. Flowers open in sun and close at night.
Potted/forced bulbs: cool, bright spot; keep soil lightly moist; after flowering let leaves die back naturally so the corm can rebloom outdoors.
Questions about crocuses
What does the crocus mean?
In the traditional language of flowers, the crocus stands for "foresight".
What colors do crocuses come in?
Crocuses come in purple, lavender, yellow, white and striped.
How do you care for crocuses?
Potted/forced bulbs: cool, bright spot; keep soil lightly moist; after flowering let leaves die back naturally so the corm can rebloom outdoors.
Are crocuses safe around pets?
Spring crocus (Crocus spp.) is not on ASPCA's toxic list; do not confuse with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), which ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Where can I buy crocuses?
From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.
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