Tricolor Crocus Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor'

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
crocus 'Tricolor'

ABOUT

The Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor' is a striking flower, particularly renowned for its beautiful and distinctive three-band color pattern. As the name 'Tricolor' suggests, each petal displays three horizontal bands of color that offer a stunning visual display. The base color is generally a vibrant, deep purple that can draw the eye from a distance. Nestled above this purple band is a brilliant white band that serves to highlight and contrast the darker shade below it. The topmost band is a bright, golden yellow, crowning each petal and giving the flower a cheerful and bright appearance. The flowers bloom into a cup-like shape, which is typical for crocuses, with delicate petals that slightly curve upwards at the edges, giving the flower a soft yet structured look. The color combination of the Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor' makes it a popular choice in gardens as it provides a strong color accent among green foliage or when planted against grassy backdrops. Overall, the distinct tricolor pattern and the rich saturation of each hue make this plant a show-stopper in any garden. It captures the attention not just for its vivid colors but also for its graceful form and the way it heralds the coming of spring when it typically blooms. The foliage of the Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor' is slender and grass-like, providing a subtle background that allows the flowers to truly shine. The leaves may have a silvery or glaucous stripe down the middle, adding yet another textural detail to this delightful floral specimen.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Tricolor Crocus, Sublime Crocus

    • Common names

      Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor'.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', commonly known as garden crocus, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it can potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in significant quantities. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants and to keep them out of reach of children who might ingest them out of curiosity.

    • To pets

      The Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', or garden crocus, is generally not considered highly toxic to pets. If pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest parts of the garden crocus, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is advisable to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from nibbling on this and other ornamental plants. If you suspect your pet has ingested a significant portion of the plant and is showing signs of distress, consult a veterinarian.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm)

    • Spread

      2-4 inches (5-10 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      3-8

    • Native area

      Mediterranean

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color to gardens with its striking three-toned flowers.
    • Early Bloomer: One of the first plants to bloom in late winter or early spring, signaling the end of the cold season.
    • Attracts Pollinators: Provides an early nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
    • Cold Tolerant: Hardy in cold temperatures and can survive frost, ideal for cooler climates.
    • Compact Size: Grows to a small size, perfect for borders, underplanting, or rock gardens.
    • Naturalizing: Can spread over time, forming larger groups and creating a naturalized effect in the landscape.
    • Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and containers, adding versatility in garden design and for those with limited space.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Crafting Natural Dyes: The petals of Crocus 'Tricolor' can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, yielding hues from the plant's purple, white, and yellow coloration.
    • Floral Arrangements: The distinctive tricolor flowers provide an unusual and striking addition to floral arrangements and bouquets.
    • Educational Tool: Crocus 'Tricolor' can be used in educational settings to illustrate topics such as plant biology, hybridization, and the life cycle of perennials.
    • Photography Subject: Due to its unique beauty, Crocus 'Tricolor' often serves as a captivating subject for photographers and artists.
    • Garden Aesthetics: Planted en masse, Crocus 'Tricolor' can create a stunning visual display during early spring, enhancing garden design.
    • Seasonal Celebrations: The flowers can symbolize the arrival of spring and are sometimes used in festivities or cultural events that mark the changing of seasons.
    • Culinary Garnish: While not traditionally used for culinary purposes, the non-toxic flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and desserts.
    • hildren's Projects: They can be used in school projects or crafts, for example, in pressing flowers or making botanical prints.
    • Wedding Decor: Crocus 'Tricolor' can be incorporated into wedding decor, particularly for springtime celebrations, to add natural beauty and a touch of uniqueness.
    • Perfumery Inspiration: While not commonly used in perfumery, the subtle scent of Crocus 'Tricolor' could inspire fragrance creation or be used in potpourri.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The plant Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The plant Crocus is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Hope: The Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', more commonly just referred to as crocus, often heralds the coming of spring, breaking through the frost to bloom, thus symbolizing hope and the anticipation of new joys.
    • Youthful gladness: Crocuses are associated with the cheerfulness of youth, embodying joy, glee, and happiness that is unburdened by the complexities of life.
    • Cheerfulness: The crocus's bright colors and early flowering give it a symbolic connection to cheerfulness and positivity.
    • Rebirth: As one of the first flowers to emerge in spring, the crocus represents rebirth and the cycle of life, echoing the theme of renewal.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
50%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring
Propogation
✂️️
Not needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    The Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', commonly known as the Tricolor Crocus, requires moderate watering during its active growth in the fall and early spring. When the plant is actively growing, water it once a week with about half a gallon per square yard, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once the foliage begins to die back after flowering, reduce watering significantly to allow the soil to dry out, as this plant prefers a drier resting period. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it's crucial to let the soil slightly dry out between watering sessions.

  • sunLight

    Tricolor Crocus thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive direct sunlight for at least part of the day, especially in the morning, with some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid placing it in full shade, as this can lead to poor flowering.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Tricolor Crocus prefers cooler temperatures and is hardy in conditions that can range between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will need protection or mulch to prevent freezing. The ideal growth temperature for these bulbs is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning is not typically required for the Tricolor Crocus. However, after the flowers have faded, it is beneficial to remove the spent blooms. Do not cut back the foliage until it has fully yellowed and died back naturally, usually by late spring, as the leaves are important for photosynthesis, which replenishes the bulb for next season's bloom. There is no set schedule for pruning, just attend to the flowers after blooming and foliage at the end of its lifecycle.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The ideal soil mix for Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', commonly known as garden crocus, should be well-draining with a mix of loam and sand or grit to mimic their natural habitat. Enrich the mix with compost to provide nutrients, and ensure the pH is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. This will create an environment conducive to the growth and blooming of the 'Tricolor' crocus.

  • plantRepotting

    Garden Crocus, typically does not need frequent repotting as they are perennial and often left undisturbed for several years. However, if you notice overcrowding or a decline in flowering, you can repot them every 4-5 years. This will provide fresh soil and room for growth for the bulbs, ideally done after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', or garden crocus, prefers environments that replicate its native habitats which typically do not have high humidity. Thus, it thrives in average room humidity levels. Excessive humidity can lead to bulb rot, so ensuring good air circulation around the plant is important for its health.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place garden crocus in bright, indirect light inside.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-8 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', commonly known as tricolor crocus, begins its life as a corm, a type of underground storage organ. In late summer to early fall, the corm sends up leaves and a slender stalk, which bears the striking tricolored flowers, typically comprising purple, white, and yellow bands. After flowering, which occurs in autumn, the plant undergoes photosynthesis to generate energy, which is then stored in the corm for the next growing season. The foliage dies back as winter approaches, leaving the corm dormant underground. During this dormant period, the corm survives the cold temperatures and lies in wait for the following growing season. In spring or summer, depending on the climate and conditions, the corm divides to produce offsets, thereby propagating the plant and beginning the cycle anew.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring

    • Crocus sublimis 'Tricolor', commonly known as tricolor crocus, is predominantly propagated through division of corms. This process is best done in the late summer to early fall, when the plant is dormant. To propagate, one should carefully dig up the corms, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. The corms should then be replanted at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters), spaced approximately 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. This method is straightforward and typically yields blooms the following spring.

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