Crocus Crocus 'Remembrance'
ABOUT
Crocus 'Remembrance' is a vibrant, eye-catching bulbous plant that heralds the arrival of spring. Its most prominent feature is its blooms, which are cup-shaped flowers with a rich, deep purple color that exudes a sense of royal elegance. Each flower is made up of six pointed petals that unfurl from a narrow, tube-like base, creating a striking contrast against the barrenness of late winter and early spring landscapes. At the center of the open bloom, one can often see the bright orange stigmas, which add a bold splash of color and attract early-season pollinators. The flowers emerge from the ground singularly on slender, yet sturdy stalks that give little indication of the plant's overall hardiness. The foliage of Crocus 'Remembrance' is slender and grass-like, composed of strappy leaves that are green with a silvery central stripe that glimmers in the sunlight. These leaves often appear either just before or alongside the bloom, embracing the flower in a complementing backdrop. Renowned for its intense color and early blooming time, Crocus 'Remembrance' is a herald of spring, often poking through the last vestiges of snow to bring color to the garden. It tends to form clusters over time, with each clump accentuating the vividness of the flowers when planted en masse. This plant is a popular choice for naturalizing in lawns, borders, and beneath deciduous trees where it can create a carpet of color with its successive blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Dutch Crocus, Spring Crocus
Common names
Crocus vernus 'Remembrance'.
ToxicityTo humans
The toxicity of crocus to humans is generally considered low. However, it is still advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the crocus plant, as it can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. There is also potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Ingesting large quantities can lead to more serious symptoms such as abdominal pain and potential systemic effects.
To pets
The crocus can be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats, if ingested. The symptoms of poisoning in pets can include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, there can be signs of central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and seizures. The autumn crocus is more toxic than the spring variety, and even small amounts can cause serious health issues. It is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Blooming: Crocus 'Remembrance' is among the first flowers to bloom in late winter to early spring, providing early season color.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its bright and colorful flowers attract bees and other pollinators which are crucial for the ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: It is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry conditions and does not require frequent watering.
- Versatile: Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and underplanting for deciduous trees.
- Naturalizing: The crocus has the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating larger displays each year.
- Compact Size: With its small stature, it is perfect for containers and small garden spaces.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which makes it an excellent choice in areas where these animals are a problem for gardeners.
- Springtime Joy: Its vibrant purple flowers bring joy and are a sign that spring is on its way after the long winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocus 'Remembrance' bulbs can be used in a technique called "forcing" to bloom indoors during winter, adding a splash of color during the dreary months.
- The flowers of the Crocus 'Remembrance' are known to be a food source for early-spring pollinators such as bees when other nectar sources may be scarce.
- Crocus petals can be used to create a natural dye in shades of yellow, brown, or green, depending on the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- The saffron-like appearance of the Crocus 'Remembrance' can be used to add visual interest in culinary plating, although they are not the saffron-producing species.
- Dried Crocus flowers can be incorporated into potpourri to add a subtle fragrance and touch of color to a room.
- Crocus 'Remembrance' can be planted in grassy areas for a naturalizing effect, creating a 'mossed' appearance when they bloom in drifts.
- The sturdy foliage of the Crocus plant can be used in small floral arrangements, adding texture and greenery.
- You can use Crocus 'Remembrance' as a living mulch under deciduous trees, where they can benefit from the light exposure during their blooming period before the trees leaf out.
- These flowers can serve as a colorful educational tool for children, teaching them about the life cycle of plants and the arrival of spring.
- Artists can use Crocus 'Remembrance' blooms as subjects for botanical illustration, capturing their vibrant purple hues and delicate shapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Crocuses often bloom at the end of winter, serving as an emblem that warmth and sunshine will return, bringing with them the hopefulness of spring.
- Youthful Gladness: The fresh, bright appearance of the crocus flower can symbolize the joy and cheerfulness associated with youth.
- Renewal: As one of the first flowers to bloom when the weather warms, crocuses represent the renewal and fresh start that comes with spring.
- Rebirth: Since crocus flowers mark the coming of spring, they symbolize rebirth and new beginnings that align with this season.
- Farewell: In the language of flowers, crocuses can denote a goodbye or the end of something because they are often seen when winter is giving way to spring.
- Attachment: The crocus also stands for strong attachment and the love felt between people who are emotionally or physically separated.
- Remembrance: Crocus 'Remembrance' specifically holds the symbolic meaning of remembrance, often used to honor memories of loved ones and significant past events.
WaterCrocus 'Remembrance', commonly known as Remembrance crocus, should be watered thoroughly once the soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 5 to 7 days depending on the local climate and soil conditions. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring that excess water can drain away freely, as standing water can lead to bulb rot. During its active growth period in the fall and spring, this crocus may need more frequent watering. Each watering session should provide sufficient moisture to soak the soil around the bulbs, which might be around 1 to 2 gallons for an outdoor garden area, adjusted according to your specific environment and weather conditions.
LightRemembrance crocus thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for planting is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partially shaded spots under deciduous trees can be suitable, as the crocus usually blooms before the trees fully leaf out and blocks the sunlight.
TemperatureThe Remembrance crocus prefers cooler temperature conditions and can endure winter cold, surviving in temperatures as low as 15°F. It thrives best when the temperature ranges from 35°F to 65°F. These crocuses require a period of winter chilling to bloom successfully, making them suitable for planting in regions with cold winters.
PruningPruning of Remembrance crocus is minimal and usually involves deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed formation, which can drain the plant's energy. Pruning the foliage is not necessary, as the leaves should be left to die back naturally to allow the bulb to store energy for the next blooming season. Pruning is typically done once the blooming period is over, in late spring.
CleaningNot needed
SoilCrocus 'Remembrance', commonly known as crocus, thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure works well, ensuring nutrients and proper drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils that can retain water and cause the bulbs to rot.
RepottingCrocuses, including the 'Remembrance' variety, are typically planted outdoors and don't require frequent repotting. However, if they are grown in containers, they should be replanted every three to four years to refresh the soil and provide room for growing corms. Division of clumps may also be required during repotting.
Humidity & MistingCrocus 'Remembrance' is a variety of crocus that prefers outdoor conditions and is not particularly humidity-sensitive. Since they naturally bloom in late winter to early spring, they can tolerate the varying humidity levels typical of this period. Consistent outdoor humidity is generally suitable for crocuses.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperature, and plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleCrocus 'Remembrance', also known as Remembrance crocus, begins its life cycle in the fall when the corms (bulb-like storage organs) are planted a few inches below the ground. After a period of dormancy throughout the winter, root development is triggered by the cold temperatures. With the arrival of spring, the plant breaks dormancy, sending up spear-like leaves and a single flower stalk, which blossoms into a purple, white, or striped flower. After flowering, the leaves continue to photosynthesize, replenishing the corm with nutrients for the next year. As the temperatures rise in late spring, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy throughout the hot summer months. The cycle recommences in the fall, with the corm sprouting new roots and preparing to bloom again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Autumn
The Crocus 'Remembrance', commonly known as the Remembrance Crocus, is typically propagated through division, a process best performed in summer after the foliage has died back. To propagate by division, carefully lift the corms from the soil using a garden fork, ensuring minimal damage. These corms, which are a type of swollen underground plant stem, will often produce smaller corms, known as cormels, attached to the base. Gently separate the cormels from the parent corm. It is important to allow the separated corms and cormels to dry for a few days in a cool, shaded area to reduce the risk of fungal infection. Once dried, the corms can be replanted in well-draining soil at a depth of around 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters), with spacing of 3 inches (approximately 7.5 centimeters) between each corm. The corms will then remain dormant until the appropriate season for growth, often blooming the following spring.
