White Crocus Crocus cartwrightianus 'Albus' Tubergen
ABOUT
Crocus cartwrightianus 'Albus' Tubergen, commonly known as the white saffron crocus, is a strikingly beautiful flower. This cultivar sports pure, creamy white petals that create an elegant, cup-shaped flower. At the center of the bloom, contrasting vividly with the white petals, are the bright orange-red stigmas and yellow anthers, which are the focal point of the blossom. The leaves are slender and green, typically with a silver stripe down the middle, which provides a delicate backdrop to the vivid blooms. The overall appearance of the white saffron crocus is delicate and refined, making it a cherished addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
White Wild Crocus, Albino Crocus Cartwrightianus, Tubergen's White Crocus
Common names
Crocus cartwrightianus 'Albus' Tubergen.
ToxicityTo humans
Crocus cartwrightianus, commonly known as Saffron crocus, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant, specifically its stigmas, is actually common as they are used to produce saffron, a widely used spice. However, it is important to differentiate it from another plant, Colchicum autumnale, also referred to as "autumn crocus," which is highly toxic and could cause serious health problems if ingested.
To pets
Saffron crocus does not have a reputation for being poisonous to pets. There is often confusion between the Saffron crocus and the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), which is highly toxic to pets. If a pet ingests the autumn crocus, they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially severe outcomes such as organ failure or even death. Hence, proper identification of the plant in question is crucial when considering its potential toxicity to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.13 feet (4 cm)
Spread
0.13 feet (4 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Crocus cartwrightianus 'Albus' Tubergen, commonly known as albus crocus, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its white flowers, enhancing the visual beauty of the landscape.
- Easy to Grow: The albus crocus is relatively easy to grow and does not require extensive gardening expertise, making it accessible to a wide range of gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of the albus crocus can attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants, contributing to a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem.
- Early Bloomer: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the albus crocus can provide a welcome splash of color after a long winter, signaling the beginning of the growing season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the albus crocus is fairly tolerant of drought conditions, which can be beneficial in areas with water scarcity.
- Naturalizing: Albus crocus has the ability to naturalize and multiply over time, creating larger and more impressive displays in successive years without needing to be replanted.
- Low Maintenance: They have minimal maintenance requirements beyond the initial planting, which can save time and effort for gardeners.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cultivation for gardens as ornamental flowers. Crocus flowers bloom in autumn and offer a splash of color when other plants are dying back, thus creating a comforting and beautiful scenery.
- Use in perfumery. The fragrance of Crocus albus can be harnessed to create perfumes, providing a signature autumnal scent for niche fragrance collections.
- Decoration for dishes. The flowers are sometimes used to adorn salads or desserts, adding an unexpected elegance and splash of white to culinary presentations.
- Crafting botanical dyes. The stigma from the flowers can be used in dyeing fabrics, yielding a light, natural color tint.
- Educational plant for botany study. Crocus albus is a good example to study geophytes in botany classes, showing its adaptive strategies for seasonal growth.
- Culinary uses. Although saffron typically comes from Crocus sativus, Crocus albus flowers can be used for a mild flavoring and coloring in some traditional cuisines.
- Flower arranging. Its blooms can be used in floral arrangements, especially for creating designs requiring subtle hues and early-blooming flowers.
- Photography subject. Due to its delicate beauty, Crocus albus is a favored subject for photographers, particularly in fall when its blooms emerge.
- As pollinator attractants. These plants can be used in gardens to attract and support bees and other pollinating insects during the autumn months.
- Cultural and arts inspiration. The distinct look of Crocus albus has inspired artists and can be used in art projects, from watercolor painting to digital botanical illustrations.
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 and Cheerfulness: Crocuses, including Crocus cartwrightianus 'Albus', often symbolize hope due to their early blooming, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
- Purity and Innocence: The color white in flowers, seen in this variety of crocus, commonly represents purity and innocence.
- Youthfulness: Crocuses are often associated with youth and gaiety as they are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, representing a fresh start.
- Attachment: As crocuses push through the snow to bloom, they are sometimes used to symbolize an emotional or spiritual attachment despite challenges.
- Rebirth: The crocus is also a symbol of resurrection and the cycles of life, as they reappear annually after a period of winter dormancy.
WaterFor the White Crocus, consistent watering during its growing season in the fall is important, gradually reducing frequency as the flowers fade and the foliage begins to die back. Water the plant deeply, ensuring the soil is moist to about 3 inches deep, which often translates to about 1 gallon of water per square yard every week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Once the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot. During the active growth period, it's crucial to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
LightThe White Crocus thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. It is ideal to plant them in a spot where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, as this will ensure the most vigorous growth and prolific blooming. Avoid heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to weak or stunted growth.
TemperatureWhite Crocus does well in a range of temperatures and can survive winter cold down to about 5°F. They prefer cooler conditions for root development and prefer a temperature range between 35°F to 65°F for the best growth. They may struggle in areas where temperatures consistently exceed 75°F during their active growth period.
PruningPruning the White Crocus typically is not required as they are low-maintenance plants. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally as it provides the nutrients for the bulbs for next season. You can remove dead foliage once it has completely yellowed and comes away easily.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSaffron crocus prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loamy or sandy soil amended with organic matter like compost is ideal.
RepottingSaffron crocus typically does not need frequent repotting. Repot every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil or if the corms become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingSaffron crocus is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best with moderate humidity, avoiding excessively dry or damp conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, cool temps, well-draining soil for indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, in autumn.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleCrocus cartwrightianus 'Albus', commonly known as the White Crocus, begins its life cycle as a corm planted in late summer to early autumn. The corm sends out roots and a shoot that grows into a flowering stalk in the fall, blooming with distinctive white flowers. After flowering, the leaves continue to photosynthesize and store energy in the corm for the next season. Once the leaves die back in late spring, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the summer months. The corm divides, producing offsets that will grow into new plants. The cycle repeats when the new and existing corms break dormancy in the autumn, initiating another season of growth and blooming.
PropogationPropogation time
Autumn
The Crocus cartwrightianus 'Albus', commonly known as the White Crocus, is typically propagated through the division of its corms. The best time for propagating this plant is after the foliage has died back, which generally occurs in late spring to early summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of corms from the soil, and then break apart the cluster, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy corm. These corms can then be replanted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season in early fall, when temperatures are moderate. Plant the corms about 3 to 4 inches deep (7 to 10 centimeters) and approximately 3 inches apart (7 centimeters), in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.
