Crocus Crocus 'Grand Maître'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Crocus 'Grand Maître' is a striking plant known for its vibrant and eye-catching flowers. The bloom displays a deep, royal purple hue that radiates a regal presence in the garden. Each flower is cup-shaped, with a slightly flared opening that reveals its delicate form. The petals have a velvety texture that glimmers with a satiny sheen when caught in the light. Nestled at the center of the flowers are bright orange stamens that stand out brilliantly against the purple petals, giving the plant a lively contrast of colors. The flowers emerge from grass-like foliage that is slender and green. The leaves often feature a pale stripe running down the middle, adding further interest to the plant's appearance. These narrow leaves gracefully arch and sometimes partially nestle the flowers, providing a backdrop that accentuates the blossoms' vivid colors. The overall effect of Crocus 'Grand Maître' in bloom is one of simple elegance and natural charm, making it a beloved choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their early spring landscape.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Grand Maitre Crocus, Giant Crocus, Dutch Crocus
- Common names
  Crocus 'Grand Maître'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The crocus is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, parts of the plant, especially the corms, could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There have been very few reported cases of crocus poisoning in humans, and the risk of serious health consequences is relatively low.
- To pets
  The crocus, particularly the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) which is sometimes confused with the spring crocus, can be toxic to pets. The spring crocus 'Grand Maître' is considered to have low toxicity; ingestion might result in mild gastrointestinal upset with possible vomiting or diarrhea. However, it is crucial to differentiate it from the autumn crocus as the latter contains colchicine, which is highly toxic and can cause severe symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress, respiratory problems, kidney and liver damage, and seizures, leading to potential death if ingested in sufficient quantities. Therefore, caution is advised if there is a possibility of pets confusing the two plants.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Violet
- Height
  4 inches (10 cm)
- Spread
  3 inches (7.5 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Early Spring Bloom: Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom, announcing the arrival of spring and bringing early color to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: They are an early food source for bees and other pollinators, which are crucial for the environment and the pollination of other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, crocuses require minimal care, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Naturalizing: Crocuses have the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating larger displays each year without additional planting.
- Drought Tolerance: After they have finished blooming, crocuses have good drought tolerance, making them well-suited for drier climates or water conservation efforts.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: These plants are not favored by deer and rodents, which helps to ensure that the blooms survive the early spring when food is scarce for wildlife.
- Versatile Planting: Crocuses can be planted in flower beds, borders, lawns, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and under trees, offering broad landscaping potential.
- Wide Variety: There is a range of crocus varieties available, offering different colors and sizes to suit any garden design or preference.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Crocus petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a subtle yellow to golden hue depending on the concentration and fabric type.
- The stigmas of Crocus flowers, which are known as saffron when dried, can be used to create a fragrant and colorful ink for writing and artwork.
- Saffron threads from the Crocus can be woven into textiles to add a golden shimmer and as a status symbol in luxury garments due to their high cost.
- The flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance.
- Crocus bulbs can be used as food for some types of livestock, such as pigs, when other feed sources are scarce.
- The corms of the Crocus can be used for bait in hunting traps for certain small animals, due to their attractive scent.
- Crocus flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art pieces or to create decorative bookmarks and paper stationery.
- Gardeners may plant Crocus strategically as companion plants to deter certain pests from more vulnerable garden crops.
- In some traditions, Crocus flowers are used in rituals and ceremonies as symbols of youthfulness and cheerfulness.
- Crocus plants may contribute to soil health by facilitating nutrient uptake when used in a technique called phytoremediation.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Hope: The crocus often blooms in late winter or early spring, making it a symbol of hope and cheerfulness after the long months of cold and darkness, heralding the arrival of warmer days and new beginnings.
- Youthful Gladness: The delicate and youthful appearance of the crocus flower symbolizes joy and gaiety in youth, embodying a sense of exuberance and carefree happiness.
- Purity: With its clean and bright colors, the crocus is often associated with purity and innocence. In some cultures, white crocus flowers, in particular, represent these qualities.
- Cheerfulness: The vibrant and varied hues of crocus flowers can bring a smile to anyone's face, making these flowers a symbol of cheerfulness and the simple pleasure of beauty.
- Attachment: Because of its early blooming, the crocus can symbolize attachment and the idea of being drawn to someone or something as though they were the warmth that puts an end to winter's frost.

💧

When soil is dry

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to early fall

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
The Grand Maître Crocus requires moderate watering, typically when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the active growth phase, usually in late winter to early spring, water them with about 1 to 2 ounces per plant each time you water. This can be roughly once a week, depending on weather conditions. It is crucial not to overwater, as Crocuses are susceptible to rot in soggy soil. As they enter their dormant period after blooming, reduce watering significantly and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Light
Grand Maître Crocuses thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They favor a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, which encourages ample flowering. If situated in too much shade, the blooms may not be as vigorous. Ideally, plant them in a place where they can enjoy the morning sun, as it is less harsh than the afternoon sun.
Temperature
Grand Maître Crocuses prefer cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They are capable of withstanding cold winters and can survive in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they should be protected from extreme temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent premature dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning Grand Maître Crocuses is typically not necessary; however, once the flowers fade, you can deadhead the spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this process helps the bulbs gather energy for the next season. Prune the leaves only when they have yellowed and withered, typically a few weeks after flowering.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The large-flowering crocus, or Crocus 'Grand Maître', thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loamy soil with added sand and compost is beneficial for the plant's growth. A top-dressing of grit improves drainage, which is crucial for bulb health.
Repotting
Crocuses, including the large-flowering crocus, do not generally require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. If clumps become overcrowded, typically every 4-5 years, bulbs can be lifted, divided, and replanted after the foliage has died down.
Humidity & Misting
Crocus 'Grand Maître' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. As it is a hardy outdoor plant, it adapts well to the natural humidity in its environment.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Keep in bright light, cool temps, and plant in well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Crocus 'Grand Maître', commonly known as the Crocus, begins with the dormant corm, which is a bulb-like storage organ. After a period of chilling, which the corm requires to break dormancy, it begins to sprout usually in late winter or early spring. Foliage emerges first, followed by the characteristic purple flowers heralding the arrival of spring. Once flowering is complete, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and growth where nutrients are gathered and stored back in the corm for the next season. As temperatures rise in late spring to early summer, the above-ground growth of the Crocus dies back, and the plant reenters dormancy, where it will rest until the cycle begins anew the following spring. During dormancy in the summer to fall, the corm can reproduce by dividing to form new corms, which can be separated and replanted to propagate the plant.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to early fall
- Crocus 'Grand Maître', commonly known as the Grand Maitre Crocus, is typically propagated by dividing corms, which are underground storage organs similar to bulbs. The best time to do this is in the late summer after the foliage has died back or in early autumn. To propagate, carefully lift the mature clump of corms from the soil, brush off any excess dirt, and then gently separate the corms. It’s important not to damage the base where roots grow. Ensure that each divided corm has at least one growing point or bud. These corms can then be replanted immediately at a depth of around 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters), and spaced about 3 to 4 inches apart. They will typically flower the following spring.