Cloth of gold Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty'
ABOUT
The Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty', commonly referred to as the Bronze Beauty crocus, boasts a striking appearance that sets it apart in the garden. This plant features rich, cup-shaped flowers that have a captivating, deep yellow core that transitions into a bronzy, purple-flushed outer petal, creating a stunning two-toned effect. The petals are delicate and slightly recurved, which gives them an elegant and graceful appeal. Nestled amidst narrow, grass-like foliage, the bright and sunny blooms emerge, bringing a cheerful splash of color. The leaves are often accented by a slender, silver-white central stripe that complements the vibrancy of the flowers. As an early spring bloomer, the Bronze Beauty crocus is one of the first plants to awaken the garden from its winter dormancy, signaling the forthcoming abundance of the season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Cloth Of Gold Crocus, Snow Crocus, Golden Crocus
Common names
Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Crocus is generally not considered highly toxic to humans; however, it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. The more concerning aspect of this genus is the potential confusion with plants from the genus Colchicum, also known as autumn crocus, which are highly toxic. Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty', specifically, does not have significant toxic effects reported in humans, but as with any plant, it is advisable to avoid ingestion to prevent potential adverse reactions.
To pets
The plant Crocus can be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats if ingested, with the potential to cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to note, however, that much greater toxicity is associated with the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), not to be confused with Crocus angustifolius. The autumn crocus contains colchicine, a toxin that can cause severe symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress, respiratory failure, and kidney and liver damage. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between the two types of crocus, as Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty' does not contain colchicine and is not known to cause severe poisoning in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Blooming: 'Bronze Beauty' crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, providing an early splash of color after winter.
- Landscape Versatility: This crocus can be planted in a variety of settings including borders, rock gardens, and lawns for naturalizing.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.
- Low Maintenance: Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty' requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, these crocuses are relatively drought tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during dry spells.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plants are not a preferred food source for deer and rabbits, which helps prevent damage in the garden.
- Compact Size: With a small growth habit, these crocuses are perfect for use in small gardens or tight spaces.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The corms of Crocus angustifolius, commonly known as Cloth of Gold, can be used to produce a natural dye, which imparts a yellow or golden hue to fabrics and textiles.
- Ink production is another unusual use; the stigmas and petals can be boiled to create a natural golden ink used in artistic and calligraphic work.
- Cloth of Gold petals can be used in the craft of flower pounding, transferring their pigment and shape onto fabric or paper for decorative purposes.
- The blooms can be pressed and included in resin jewelry, preserving the beauty of the flower within wearable art pieces.
- These flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, not only for their color but also for a slight fragrance they may offer once dried.
- Crocus angustifolius can act as a natural thermometer; its flowers close when bad weather is approaching, thus being a historical tool for weather prediction.
- They can serve as a muse for painters and photographers, offering a vibrant and early spring subject when few other flowers are in bloom.
- The stigmas of the flower can be used as a bookmark or page marker due to their delicate and flat nature once dried.
- Flower buds can be crystallized with sugar and used as an edible decoration for desserts, adding a touch of elegance.
- Seed pods can be used for botanical illustration purposes, providing a unique and intricate subject for this artistic practice.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bronze Beauty crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bronze Beauty crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Crocuses are often among the first flowers to emerge in late winter or early spring, symbolizing hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- Youthful gladness: With their bright colors and early bloom times, crocuses represent joy and cheerfulness in youth.
- Rebirth: Crocuses are perennial and return every year, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
- Purity: The delicate and unblemished flowers of the crocus can signify purity of the heart and mind.
- Farewell: In some cultural contexts, the fleeting beauty of the crocus can represent a brief goodbye or the end of something because it is one of the first to bloom and wilt.
- Cheerfulness: As a harbinger of spring, the crocus brings cheerfulness after the long winter months, offering comfort and warmth.
- Attachment: As the crocus clings to the last chills of winter but invites the warmth of spring, it can symbolize a strong emotional or personal attachment.
WaterThe Cloth of Gold crocus, while dormant in summer, requires little to no watering. When growth begins in autumn and through the blooming period in spring, it should be watered deeply once a week if there hasn't been significant rainfall, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be allowed to dry out partially between watering sessions. Provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week during active growth periods to maintain optimal soil moisture conditions. It's important to reduce watering after the blooming period as the foliage begins to die back in preparation for dormancy.
LightCloth of Gold crocus thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this crocus is a location where it can receive at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages vigorous growth and better blooming. However, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers, as long as it receives ample morning light.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Cloth of Gold crocus is between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a hardy choice for cooler climates, but it should not be exposed to extreme heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These crocuses prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall and may go dormant during hot summers.
PruningPruning of the Cloth of Gold crocus generally involves the removal of spent flowers and yellowing foliage after blooming. This should be done annually, typically after the flowers have faded, to maintain a tidy appearance and to direct the plant's energy back into the corms. The best time for pruning is late spring when the foliage begins to die back naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Cloth of Gold crocus, a well-draining, loamy soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. A mixture containing equal parts of garden soil, peat, and sharp sand works well to provide adequate drainage and nutrient levels.
RepottingThe Cloth of Gold crocus typically does not require frequent repotting. It's best to repot every 3 to 4 years or when the corms become overcrowded, usually in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingThe Cloth of Gold crocus thrives in average humidity levels. As it is not particularly humidity-demanding, maintaining a typical indoor environment or natural outdoor humidity works well for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cloth of Gold crocus in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty', commonly known as Cloth of Gold, begins with the planting of the corm (a bulb-like structure) in late summer to early fall. After planting, the corms undergo root development and may produce foliage before winter dormancy, depending on the climate. In early spring, the plant emerges from dormancy and produces narrow, grass-like leaves and vibrant yellow flowers, sometimes with a purple or bronze hue at the base. Following flowering, which may last for up to three weeks, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage in the corms as the leaves continue to grow. Once the flowering has finished, the leaves die back, and the plant enters a dormant period during the summer months, conserving its energy in the corm. The cycle starts anew when temperatures cool, and the corms are ready for the next season's growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty', commonly known as Cloth of Gold, is typically propagated by dividing its corms. The best time to propagate by corm division is in late summer after the leaves have died back. Gardeners should carefully dig up the corms, shake off the soil, and remove the smaller corms that have developed around the base of the mother plant. These should be replanted immediately at a depth of around 3-4 inches (about 7.5-10 cm) in well-draining soil, spaced about 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) apart, ensuring the pointy end is facing upwards. This method of propagation allows for the natural increase of the plants and helps maintain the vigor of the Crocus angustifolius 'Bronze Beauty' in the garden.
