Crocus Crocus 'Vanguard'
ABOUT
The Crocus 'Vanguard' is a striking early spring blooming plant known for its display of beautiful flowers. A member of the Crocus family, this variety typically produces blossoms that are a blend of soft lavender and purple hues, often described as silvery mauve on the outer petals, with deeper violet shades gracing the bases and on the inner petal segments. The interior of the flowers usually exhibits a bright pop of orange to yellow, given by the prominent and showy stamens that are a characteristic feature of many Crocuses. The petals are elongated and cup-shaped, tapering to a delicate point, which can give them an almost goblet-like appearance when fully open. This Crocus variety also sports narrow, grass-like leaves, which are a glossy green often marked with a pale, silvery stripe down the center, creating a striking contrast with the brilliant blooms. These leaves typically emerge shortly before or at the same time as the flowers, providing an elegant and slender backdrop to the iridescent floral display. The overall effect of the Crocus 'Vanguard' in bloom is that of gentle yet vibrant splashes of color that herald the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Early Crocus, Spring Crocus
Common names
Crocus 'Vanguard'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Crocus 'Vanguard', commonly known as crocus, generally has a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingestion of parts of this plant might cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. There are typically no severe symptoms of poisoning for humans when it comes to crocus. However, it is still best to avoid consuming any parts of this plant to prevent any potential discomfort or adverse reactions.
To pets
The Crocus 'Vanguard', commonly referred to as the crocus, can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, if ingested. The symptoms of crocus poisoning in pets may include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to be cautious and keep pets away from this plant to prevent possible toxicity. If ingestion is suspected, one should consult with a veterinarian to ensure the pet receives appropriate care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Bloom - Crocus 'Vanguard' flowers in early spring, offering one of the first splashes of color to the garden after winter.
- Attracts Pollinators - The flowers are known to attract bees, which contributes to pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance - It requires minimal care once established, making it desirable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Naturalizing - Crocus 'Vanguard' can spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger displays of color over time.
- Hardy - It is cold-hardy and can withstand frost and snow, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Compact Size - Its small size and low-growing nature make it ideal for use in rock gardens, borders, or as lawn accents.
- Deer Resistant - Typically not preferred by deer, which helps prevent damage to the plant and garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocus 'Vanguard' bulbs can be used as a natural dye source; when crushed, they can provide colors ranging from yellow to gold.
- The dried stigmas of this plant, though not the variety most commonly used for saffron, can add a subtle flavoring to certain gourmet dishes.
- Crocus plants can be pressed and included in botanical artwork or herbarium collections for educational or decorative purposes.
- The petals of Crocus 'Vanguard' can be used in potpourri mixes to lend a light, floral scent and a splash of color.
- They can be incorporated into eco-friendly confetti options for outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and non-toxic to wildlife.
- Crocus flowers are sometimes used as a natural indicator of spring in phenology studies, which track the seasonal timing of ecological events.
- Culinary enthusiasts sometimes use Crocus 'Vanguard' petals to create infused sugars for a unique twist in baking.
- In textile arts, Crocus 'Vanguard' petals can be used for botanical printing techniques on fabrics like silk and cotton.
- As a subject for photography, the Crocus 'Vanguard' offers unique opportunities for macro photography due to its intricate flower structures.
- Gardeners may use Crocus 'Vanguard' as companion plants to help indicate the health of the soil based on the blooming and growth patterns of the flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youthful Gladness: The Crocus often blooms in early spring, symbolizing joy and cheerfulness associated with youth.
- New Beginnings: As one of the first flowers to emerge after winter, crocuses are seen as a symbol of hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- Attachment: The delicate nature of the flower is sometimes associated with feelings of love and attachment between individuals.
- Purity: The Crocus's fresh, bright appearance can symbolize purity of the heart and mind.
WaterSpring Crocus, also known as Crocus 'Vanguard', must be watered deeply during their growth period. The soil should be kept evenly moist, which often equates to about 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. During active growth, in the absence of rain, water them once a week with approximately half a gallon per square yard. However, ensure proper drainage as they do not tolerate soggy soil. Watering should be reduced after the blooms have faded and leaves begin to yellow, signaling the plant is entering a dormant period.
LightSpring Crocus thrives best in full to partial sunlight. Planting them in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day is ideal. These flowers can also tolerate light shade, especially in areas with very hot afternoon sun, but bloom best with ample sunlight.
TemperatureCrocus 'Vanguard' prefers cool to moderate temperatures, flourishing in the range of 35°F to 65°F. They are cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as 15°F, but they generally will not survive in temperatures above 75°F. The ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 60°F for proper growth and blooming.
PruningPruning of the Spring Crocus is not typically necessary, but spent flowers can be removed to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for this minimal pruning is right after the blooms fade. It is crucial to leave the foliage in place until it dies back naturally, as this allows the plant to store energy for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrocus, commonly known as Spring Crocus, thrives in well-draining soil mixed with compost or organic matter. A sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Amend the soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingSpring Crocus bulbs need to be repotted every 3 to 4 years or if overcrowding occurs. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back before lifting and separating the corms for replanting.
Humidity & MistingThe Spring Crocus favors outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions when grown outside in its natural temperate climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, provide bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; ensure well-drained soil; protect from high temps.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Dutch crocus 'Vanguard' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is typically planted in the fall before the ground freezes. During winter, the bulb undergoes a period of cold-induced dormancy which is essential for spring growth. As temperatures rise in early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up shoots, followed by the characteristic purple or bluish flowers which are among the first to appear in the garden. After blooming, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis where the leaves gather energy from the sun and store it in the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves yellow and die back in late spring or early summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy through the summer and fall where it remains underground. The cycle repeats the following spring when the environmental conditions again trigger the growth of the bulb into a new plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Fall
Propogation: The Crocus 'Vanguard', commonly known as the Vanguard crocus, is generally propagated by dividing its corms. The ideal time to undertake this form of propagation is in the late summer, after the foliage has died back, signaling that the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the corms and gently separate any cormlets, which are the small, new corms that form at the base of the parent corm. Each cormlet should have a small piece of the base plate to ensure it has the potential to grow into a new plant. Once separated, these cormlets can be replanted immediately at a depth of around 3 to 4 inches (about 8 to 10 centimeters) and spaced approximately 3 inches apart (nearly 8 centimeters) to allow room for growth. They will typically flower in the following spring if the cormlets are of a flowering size.
