Product description
Whitewell Purple has 6 long petals with violet purple hues that are white towards the base often with gold tones in the throat and golden oranges and yellows in the stigma and anthers. Multiple, open flowers form from each corm with slender, silver-striped upright grass-like foliage.
Early spring bloom, dwarf Whitewell Purple is a beautiful botanical Crocus with incredibly beautiful blooms gently suggesting the coming of spring. Plant together for blankets of violet-purple hued blooms in beds, borders, edging, rockeries or use in pots and containers for accenting walkways patio areas or window sills. Great for naturalising lawns, under shrubs and trees.
Crocus announce that spring is coming and some of the earliest flowers to bloom. Crocus develop from a tuber called “corms”, the technical name for the flower bulb. Spring Crocus are some of the earliest blooms of the season and have been known to come out even when snow is still on the ground. Easter colours of the Crocus include a rainbow of rich lavender purples, showy pinks and golden yellow hues. Crocus leaves are generally green and strap or thick grass-like in appearance.
A smaller flowering plant, most Crocus blooms have average heights of 10 cm. Crocus flowers typically have a cup or goblet shape with variations of how open or closed the petals are. There are many species which are highly appreciated for their fragrance. The Royal Horticultural Society recognizes a significant number of Crocus for their positive characteristics of not only their beauty and fragrance, but also for their attractiveness to pollinators like bees and birds. One of the most famous Crocus varieties is Crocus Sativus, better known as Saffron Crocus, from which the stamen are harvested and used in cooking.
One of the most important aspects of planting Crocus is proper drainage. Due to their heritage of growth in mountainous areas, like the alps, Crocus can grow well in gritty soils that are only poor to moderately fertile. They will do well in fertile soils, but the critical aspect is that while the soil can be moist, is must not be water-laden or soggy. Crocus prefer areas with full sun to partial shade and will do poorly in completely shaded areas.
For best results, plant the Crocus bulbs 5 cm deep with the pointy part of the growth shoot upwards, make sure the plant is completely covered. Two main varieties of Crocus bloom in either the Spring or the autumn of Autumn. If it blooms in the autumn, plant it in the spring and if it blooms in the spring, plant it in the autumn. Crocus do well grown in groups and can naturalise an area over a series of season, eventually creating a wonderful blanket of blooms.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and flowering times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Cover the area with a layer of horticultural grit or broken eggshells to stop snails and slugs devouring new shoots as they emerge.
How to Water
Water thoroughly when planting. After this, crocuses planted in the ground should only need to be watered during dry spells. Bulbs grown in pots and containers will need watering more regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
How to Plant
Crocuses are versatile bulbs that can be planted in lawns, beds, borders, or containers. Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil and use a bulb planter or trowel to dig small holes 7-10cm apart. Plant one bulb to each hole at a depth of 10-15cm with the pointed end facing upwards. Backfill the holes, firm down the soil, and water in well.