Peter Dowdall: How to make the most of crocus displays

The genus crocus belongs to the Iris family and its name is thought to derive from the Greek word krokos, meaning saffron, a nod to the precious spice obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus.

Symbolically, crocuses have long been associated with themes of youthfulness, rebirth, and joy. They are seen as nature’s way of reassuring us that warmer days are on their way. In some cultures, they represent cheerfulness and gladness, while in Victorian floriography, the language of flowers, they symbolise mirth and the light-heartedness of new beginnings.

Habitat and soil

To get the best display from your crocuses and to ensure that they come back year on year, it’s worth understanding their natural habitat and mimicking it in your garden. They prefer a well-drained soil and a sunny position, often found in alpine meadows, woodland edges, and grassy banks, where they, like all spring flowering bulbs, enjoy a period of dormancy in the summer.

Also, like most spring flowering bulbs, what they struggle with in our climate is that which seems to endlessly fall from the skies. If they stay in a very wet or waterlogged soil, the bulbs will simply rot away. A gritty or sandy loam soil is ideal. 

If your soil is heavy clay, adding horticultural grit or organic matter will improve drainage and encourage healthier plants, though in truth, even then, I wouldn’t expect them to thrive in that type of soil. Wherever you plant them, add lots of grit beneath the bulbs to draw water away from them.

Crocuses can be naturalised in lawns, where they will spread and self-seed over the years to create an increasingly spectacular display. The key to success is resisting the urge to mow too soon. Allow the foliage to die back naturally before reaching for the mower, as this allows the corms to gather energy for the following year.

Crocus species

There are over 90 species of crocus, with countless varieties. Broadly speaking, they fall into two categories: autumn-flowering and spring-flowering varieties.

Among the most popular spring-flowering species is Crocus tommasinianus, one of the earliest to bloom. Commonly known as ‘Tommies,’ this delightful species is beloved by pollinators. It produces delicate, violet-mauve flowers that open wide in the sunshine and readily self-seed, making it ideal for naturalising. 

Another favourite is Crocus vernus, also known as the giant Dutch crocus. This is the more commonly grown and available species, varieties of which you will find in garden centres as it boasts large, showy flowers in shades of purple, white, and striped forms.

For those seeking an even earlier display, Crocus chrysanthus, or the snow crocus, will often bloom as early as February, its smaller blooms appear in shades of gold, cream, and pale blue.

Crocuses and pollinators

Crocuses play a vital role in supporting pollinators at a time of year when food sources are scarce.

Early flying bees, including honeybees and queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation, will be particularly glad of their freely available nectar and pollen. Crocus chrysanthus Cream Beauty is a soft, buttery-yellow variety that is particularly loved by early-emerging bees.

Crocus tommasinianus Ruby Giant produces deep purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, providing an early nectar source when little else is available. The flowers of Crocus vernus King of the Striped are, as the name would suggest large, striped purple-and-white flowers and are really beautiful.

In another example of Mother Nature’s pure magic, crocuses have evolved with a clever strategy. Their goblet-shaped flowers remain partially closed in cold weather, trapping warmth and creating a microclimate that attracts pollinators even on cooler days. On sunny days, their petals open wide to reveal bright orange pollen-laden stamens, to attract passing bees. 

If you’re planting crocuses specifically to help pollinators, choose species-cultivated forms. Planting in clusters also makes it easier for bees to find them.

Crocuses this year

I looked recently at photos on my phone from this day last year at a beautiful massed display in my own garden of the pure white Crocus Jeanne d’Arc. No such display this year yet as the prolonged wet weather has taken its toll. 

I’d say we’re between one and two weeks behind, with the number of flowers in bloom and those few that were brave enough to open have been flattened into the soil by the torrential rain of late. Many will still recover as the weather improves. 

To help them along, gently lift any collapsed blooms with your fingers. Failing that, with the eternal optimism of an Irish gardener, there’s always next year.

• Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email gardenquestions@examiner.ie