About

Crocus etruscus 'Zwanenburg' is a perennial corm that produces blooms prior to leaf emergence. The flowers exhibit a lilac-blue hue, with their outer surfaces displaying a subtle wash of silver or biscuit-brown, adorned with delicate purple veining.

About the genus

Crocus are small, deciduous perennials that emerge from corms. They feature narrow leaves, often marked with a silvery stripe down the center. The flowers, which can be fragrant, are goblet-shaped and appear in either autumn or early spring.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0-0.1 metre
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Toxicity
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a gritty, poor to moderately fertile soil. See crocus cultivation for more advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame when ripe or remove cormlets when dormant
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to rodents and birds
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free, corms may rot in storage