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Crocus ochroleucus

Crocus ochroleucus
White Autumn Crocus, straw-coloured crocus

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A small botanic crocus that produces cream-white flowers that are 2 to 4 cm long, with a throat and long tube coloured orange-yellow. They close in rainy weather and are very long-lasting. This species blooms in October-November, it multiplies rapidly and self-seeds. Cultivate in the sun, in any well-drained soil, preferably dry in summer.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
10 cm
Spread at maturity
10 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time August to October
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Flowering time October to December
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Description

Crocus ochroleucus is a botanical species from Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel that blooms in the heart of autumn, in October-November. This rarely planted species is known for its ability to multiply rapidly and its ease of cultivation in very well-drained soil, dry in summer. Its small, bright cream white flowers open repeatedly whenever the weather allows, over a long period. It can be planted in a rock garden, a gravel garden, a raised bed, or even in a lawn in favourable climates. The hardiness of this crocus is estimated at -17 °C.

Crocus ochroleucus belongs to the iris family like other crocuses. This species, native to the Middle East, naturally grows in rocky hills. Despite its origin, it is cold-resistant. Its corms descend deeply, which protects them from the cold and rodents. And summer drought is not a problem, quite the opposite.

Crocus ochroleucus blooms between late October and early December, depending on the climate. Each bulb produces several, 3-4 cm tall flowers, carried by a long tube. They emerge from the ground at the same time as the leaves develop. The elongated cup-shaped flowers are composed of 6 cream-white petals with a yellow base. They open to reveal a yellow throat. The flowers close at night and in rainy weather, then open wide in the sun. The foliage consists of fine, linear, single, alternate, medium green leaves, with a prominent central vein. The 'bulbs' are actually corms covered by a skin of parallel fibres. A corm is, in plant morphology, an underground storage organ that looks like a bulb but is formed by a swollen stem surrounded by fibrous skin. This ochroleuca variety produces many small baby corms and freely self-seeds in light soil.

Botanical crocuses are particularly suitable for naturalisation through sowing in wild meadows or under deciduous trees. Crocus ochroleucus will brighten up the short days of autumn. It will thrive and naturalise in the sun in any very well-drained soil. Combine autumn crocuses with spring crocuses to enjoy multiple flowerings throughout the year. Some ideas for combinations: with blanda anemones and Naples cyclamens, or other small spring bulbs like tulips and botanical narcissus.

A tip for crocuses: the roots have the particular ability to contract like a spring, allowing the plant to settle at the ideal depth for the plant.

 

Crocus ochroleucus in pictures

Crocus ochroleucus  (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 cm
Spread at maturity 10 cm
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time October to December
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 4 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Crocus

Species

ochroleucus

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

White Autumn Crocus, straw-coloured crocus

Origin

Middle East

Product reference22665

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Planting and care

Plant the small bulbs of Crocus ochroleuca before 20th September, in light and well-drained soil, enriched with compost, at a depth of 5-6 cm and spaced 8 cm apart or in groups of three every 15 to 20 cm. It is preferable to leave them in place. They will form increasingly floriferous clumps and self-seed. Consider making a few pots for your terrace. Crocus ochroleuca grows in very well-drained, rocky or sandy soils and prefers a very sunny exposure that allows for the complete opening of the corollas. It can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°C (probably more) and summer drought when it is dormant. The crocus requires no special maintenance. Be careful not to cut the foliage before it turns yellow. Corms are susceptible to excess moisture, which can cause them to rot during their dormant period. Rodents are fond of these corms, and snails and slugs feed on all aerial parts of the plant.

Planting period

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time August to October
Planting depth 5 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 200 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, very well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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