Snow Crocus Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns'
ABOUT
Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns' is distinguished by its striking and vivid flowers. As a member of the crocus family, this particular cultivar showcases blooms that are most commonly recognized for their coloration - typically a rich, intense purple with a lighter, often white or silver, throat and veining that gives a delicate and appealing contrast. The petals are cup-shaped, which is characteristic of crocuses, and they open wide on sunny days to reveal their beauty fully. The foliage of Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns' is slender and grass-like, with a deep green color that sometimes has a silvery stripe running through the center, adding an additional ornamental element to the plant. The leaves usually emerge either alongside or shortly after the flowers, creating a lovely backdrop for the vibrant blooms. As a bulbous plant, this crocus produces corms that are buried underground, from which the flowers and foliage will emerge year after year during its flowering season. It is a herald of spring, often one of the first plants to bloom after the winter months, signalling the arrival of warmer weather. The overall appearance of Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns' is delicate and yet hardy enough to push through the last vestiges of winter, providing a burst of color to the garden or landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Sieber's Crocus, Snow Crocus, Spring Crocus
Common names
Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Crocus is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it's important to differentiate between Crocus and plants from the genus Colchicum, commonly known as autumn crocus, which are highly toxic. If ingesting a plant mistaken for Crocus but actually belonging to the Colchicum genus, symptoms could include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.
To pets
The Crocus, particularly the spring-flowering varieties, typically have low toxicity to pets. The autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), however, which is sometimes confused with Crocus species, is highly toxic to pets. If a pet ingests the autumn crocus, symptoms might include severe gastrointestinal upset, bone marrow suppression, renal failure, and even death if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
3-6 inches (7-15 cm)
Spread
1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Blooms: Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns', commonly known as Sieber's Crocus, provides vibrant color in late winter to early spring when few other plants are flowering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms offer a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging in early spring.
- Low Maintenance: Sieber's Crocus typically requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: After the spring bloom, Sieber's Crocus is dormant in summer, making it tolerant to dry conditions and reducing the need for supplemental watering.
- Naturalizing Capability: Over time, Sieber's Crocus can spread and naturalize, forming colorful colonies that increase in beauty each year.
- Small Space Gardening: Due to its small size, Sieber's Crocus is an excellent choice for planting in rock gardens, borders, and small garden spaces or containers.
- Lawn Aesthetic: Sieber's Crocus can be planted in lawns for a splash of early color before regular grass maintenance begins.
- Frost Resistant: The flowers are resilient to late winter or early spring frosts, ensuring reliable blooming even in colder climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Dye: The petals of the Crocus can be used to produce a natural dye for crafting projects, providing a range of subtle hues.
- Edible Decor: The flowers of Crocus sieberi can be used to garnish desserts and salads, adding a splash of color to culinary presentations.
- Photography Subject: Gardeners and photographers often use the vibrant colors of the Crocus sieberi for macro photography and botanical illustrations.
- Botanical Studies: This plant can serve as a subject for botanical studies, helping students learn about plant biology and reproduction.
- Garden Design: Due to its early blooming, Crocus sieberi can be used in garden designs to provide an early spring focal point.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Crocus petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing the environmental impact.
- Ink Production: The pigments from Crocus petals can be used in the production of natural inks for art and calligraphy.
- Landscape Restoration: Crocus sieberi can be planted as part of wildflower mixes to restore natural habitats and encourage biodiversity.
- Fragrance Extraction: While not commonly known for its scent, the Crocus can be used in the creation of light, floral perfumes or potpourri.
- Pollinator Support: Planting Crocus sieberi supports early spring pollinators, providing a necessary food source for bees when few other plants are in bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Snow Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snow Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youthful joy: The Crocus is often associated with cheerfulness and glee, marking the jubilation of spring's arrival.
- Hope: Its early blooming is seen as a sign of hope and the promise of brighter days, signifying optimism for the future.
- New beginnings: As one of the first flowers to emerge from the winter's snow, Crocuses symbolize starting afresh or embarking on a new venture.
- Attachment: In Victorian flower language, giving someone a Crocus can signify an attachment and fondness for that person.
- Rebirth: The plant's cycle of life, blooming anew after the cold winter, represents themes of resurrection and immortality.
WaterSnow crocus, commonly known as Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns', prefers to be watered sparingly, as they are tolerant of dry conditions once established. During the growing season, water the crocuses when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every 7 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. It's crucial to avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot. A general rule is to provide them with approximately 1 inch of water (which is roughly 0.623 gallons) per square foot during each watering session, ensuring even moisture distribution without waterlogging the soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and cut back on water after the blooms have faded and the foliage begins to die back.
LightSnow crocus thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The plant should ideally be situated where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. Provide bright, indirect light if planting indoors, or place them in a sunny spot if they are outdoors for optimal growth and flower production.
TemperatureSnow crocus is cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures without much difficulty. This plant can survive a temperature range from as low as 15°F to 65°F, with the ideal growing temperatures being between 35°F and 60°F. Ensure that the plant is not exposed to prolonged periods at the extremes of its temperature range to prevent damage or stress.
PruningPruning isn't needed for Snow crocus, except for the removal of spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cut back the foliage only after it has turned yellow and died down naturally, usually a few weeks after flowering, to allow the bulbs to store energy for the next season. Pruning at the wrong time could harm the plant's ability to bloom the following year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnow Crocus requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level, around 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will provide the nutrients and drainage necessary. Mulching with organic material can help maintain moisture levels and provide a slow release of nutrients.
RepottingSnow Crocus bulbs do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 4-5 years in the early fall is sufficient, giving the bulbs time to establish before winter.
Humidity & MistingSnow Crocus prefers outdoor conditions where it can experience a natural cycle of humidity, typically not requiring any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, bright indirect light, cool temp.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, cold-hardy.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns', commonly known as Sieber's Crocus, begins its life cycle as a corm, a type of bulb-like storage organ. During its dormancy period, typically in the late summer and fall, it remains under the soil conserving energy. When the soil temperature and moisture levels become optimal in late winter to early spring, the corm breaks dormancy and sprouts thin, grass-like leaves and distinctive flowers in shades of purple, lilac, or white, often with a bright orange pistil. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and growth, during which it replenishes the corm with nutrients for the next season. As the temperatures rise in late spring, the leaves yellow and wither as Sieber's Crocus enters another period of dormancy. The cycle repeats annually, with the corm producing offset corms over time, increasing the number of plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns', commonly known as Sieber's Crocus, is typically propagated by dividing its corms. The best time for this is in the summer months, after the foliage has died back, which is usually from June to August. To propagate, carefully dig up the corms and gently separate the smaller cormlets from the parent corm. These cormlets are the key to propagation, as each one has the potential to develop into a new plant. Once separated, the cormlets should be planted immediately at a depth of around 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters), spacing them about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with good sun exposure. Water the new plantings adequately to establish them. The following spring, the cormlets will sprout and eventually mature into flowering plants, carrying on the characteristics of 'Ronald Ginns'.
