About
Crocus 'Vanguard' is typically among the first of the larger crocus varieties to bloom, appearing in February. Often referred to as a "bicolour," its outer petals display a greyish hue that contrasts with the mauve shades on the inside. When closed, the buds exhibit a silvery grey color; once fully open, the flowers reveal a lilac tone accented by orange styles. Its early blooming period and substantial size make it an important source of nectar for early bumblebees.
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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Bulbs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, 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
- Remove cormlets when dormant
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to rodents and birds
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, corms may rot in storage