Fontenelle Crocus Crocus laevigatus
ABOUT
The plant named Crocus laevigatus, commonly known as the smooth crocus, boasts an attractive and vibrant appearance. It typically emerges with slender, sword-shaped leaves that are often glossy and can feature a silver central vein that adds to its ornamental value. The leaves create an elegant backdrop for the flowers. The blossoms of the smooth crocus are especially noteworthy for their beauty. They exhibit a striking color, usually a deep, rich purple, enhancing their visibility against the lush green of early spring foliage. The flowers are cup-shaped and have a delicate, silky texture that invites closer inspection. Each blossom has six petals, with the inner three sometimes displaying a lighter hue or even a contrasting set of stripes or streaks, which contributes to the plant's decorative appeal. At the base of the flowers, you'll often find thin, papery bracts that provide a protective covering before the blooms open. These bracts sometimes persist even after the flowers are fully on display, cradling them gently and adding to the plant's overall charm. The stamens within are often a bright yellow, which contrasts vividly with the purple petals, drawing the attention of pollinators and garden admirers alike. The smooth crocus's appearance, with its vibrant flowers and elegant foliage, is emblematic of the awakening of the earth in the spring, providing a splash of color that is often one of the first signs of the season changing. This plant is appreciated for its ornamental qualities and is commonly used to add a touch of beauty to gardens and natural settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Fountain Crocus, Bilezik Saffron.
Common names
Crocus laevigatus is the accepted scientific name and does not have any synonyms.
ToxicityTo humans
Fountain Grass is not known for its toxicity to humans and is generally considered non-toxic. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting any part of this plant. As with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it's advisable to handle plants with care and avoid ingestion if not intended for consumption.
To pets
Fountain Grass is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe and there is no recorded toxicity from pets ingesting this plant. However, pets may still have individual sensitivities or reactions to any plant material. As a precaution, it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.1 feet (3 cm
Spread
0.1 feet (3 cm
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Crocus laevigatus, commonly known as the Fountain Crocus, adds beauty to gardens with its striking flowers that bloom in autumn.
- Early Pollinator Support - It provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators at a time when few other plants are in flower.
- Low Maintenance - This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Drought Resistance - The Fountain Crocus is tolerant of dry conditions once established, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Naturalising - It can spread and naturalize in appropriate conditions, filling spaces in rock gardens or lawns with vibrant color.
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 laevigatus, also known as the Fountain Crocus, can be used as a natural dye, where the petals sometimes impart a soft yellow to pale blue hue to fabrics and papers.
- The corms of the Fountain Crocus have been used as a starch substitute, especially in historical times or in survival situations.
- In some cultures, the corms were traditionally ground to create a type of flour used in baking and cooking.
- The plant can serve as an ornamental piece in winter gardens, as it blooms in late fall or early winter providing color when most plants are dormant.
- Fountain Crocus can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology and reproduction, particularly bulb growth and development.
- This species is sometimes utilized in craft activities for children, such as pressing flowers for art projects.
- Due to its aesthetic appeal, the Fountain Crocus is often photographed and used in calendars and nature photography collections.
- Gardeners cultivate Crocus laevigatus to create naturalized drifts of color in grassy areas, displaying early signs of spring or late fall.
- The petals of the plant have been used in perfumery for creating nature-inspired scents, although this is not a common use.
- Aromatherapists might use the essence of Crocus laevigatus for its uplifting and grounding aroma, although it's not among the commonly used essential oils.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Autumn Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Autumn Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Crocus laevigatus, often simply known as Crocus, is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, symbolizing the hope that comes with new beginnings and the end of winter.
- Youthful Gladness: The Crocus's delicate and playful appearance often represents cheerfulness and joy associated with youth.
- Purity: The bright and refreshing look of the Crocus is frequently associated with purity and innocence.
- Cheerfulness: With its vibrant colors that can bring a smile to one's face even on a cold day, the Crocus can symbolize cheerfulness.
WaterThe Fountain Crocus, or Crocus laevigatus, prefers to be watered moderately. During its growing season in the fall, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may translate to about once a week. It's essential to reduce watering after the foliage begins to die back post-bloom, and the corms go dormant. Typically, give the Fountain Crocus about 8 to 16 ounces of water per watering session, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. As the plant goes dormant usually after spring, watering should be minimal to none, as the corm needs a dry period over the summer.
LightThe Fountain Crocus thrives best under full sun to partial shade conditions. Ensuring it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal for optimum bloom. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade is often suitable, especially in regions with hotter climates to prevent potential scorching of the delicate petals.
TemperatureThe Fountain Crocus does well in a wide range of temperatures and can withstand winter cold surprisingly well, surviving in temperatures as low as 15°F. However, ideally, they prefer to be in an environment where the temperature ranges from 35°F to 65°F during their active growth and bloom periods. They are hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, where typical winter temperatures do not damage the corms.
PruningThe Fountain Crocus generally does not require extensive pruning; however, after the blooms fade, it's beneficial to remove spent flowers to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. The foliage should be left to die back naturally, as it gathers energy for the next season's growth. Typically, no pruning is needed until late spring or early summer, when the leaves yellow and wither.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFountain Grass thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. The best soil mix includes equal parts of loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingFountain Grass typically doesn't need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. Ensure the plant is not pot-bound and repot in spring when necessary.
Humidity & MistingFountain Grass is adaptable to a variety of humidity levels but prefers average room humidity. There is no need for high humidity; normal indoor conditions are usually sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and avoid over-watering Fountain Grass indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade for Fountain Grass.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleCrocus laevigatus, commonly known as Fontenay's Crocus, begins its life cycle as a corm, which is a storage organ that contains the plant's embryonic shoot. During autumn, the corm sends up narrow, grass-like leaves and flowers that emerge in shades of white to pale lilac, typically adorned with darker stripes. After pollination, which is often assisted by early-foraging bees, the plant sets seed that matures as the foliage begins to die back. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy, during which the corms lie dormant underground. With the arrival of the next autumn, the corm divides and new cormlets are formed, which can be separated and planted to propagate new plants. Over the years, a single corm can produce a sizable colony, creating swathes of color each autumn before the plant retreats back into dormancy for the warmer months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Crocus laevigatus, commonly known as Fountain Crocus, is through corm division. This is typically done in the summer after the leaves have died back, indicating that the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the corms and gently separate any small cormlets that have formed attached to the mother corm. These cormlets are the key to propagation and should be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters), spaced a few inches apart to allow for growth. The new corms will then rest for the remainder of the dormant season and should sprout the following spring, developing into mature flowering plants over a few seasons.
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