One of the more exotic crocus species is Crocus sieberi ‘Tricolor’, a truely beautiful little spring flowering species from the Peloponnese peninsular in Greece and the island of Crete.
It emerges like a flag wrapped around a pole, and even at this stage you can see that this is something special. Puple white and yellow held on a tall stem.
Commonly called the ‘Sieber’s Three Color Crocus’ the correct name is Crocus sieberi subsp. sublimis ‘Tricolor’, and although this a small plant the colours are vibrant and pack a punch.
The colours are bright, a rich purple and a golden yellow, the white band between being clean and distinct.
Care
As soon as the bulb emerges you realise that something special is about to appear. And with a little care these are an easy, long lived plant.
Reaching a height of around 10cm Crocus sieberi ‘Tricolor’ grows well in a humus rich well drained soil. Best in a sunny position with a little shelter from wind and hot afternoon sun.
Being from the mountains, this is a cold hardy bulb. It will survive light snow, however not the freezes that we get in the colder zones. Happily this little bulb grows well in a container so even in the coldest areas it can be overwintered easily.
In containers grow them by themselves, or use them to underplant taller shrubs. In the garden they can be naturalised into the lawn, grown in the rock garden or planted beneath deciduous trees where they will add colour in spring before the trees put on new foliage.
These are a crocus that do not like to dry out in summer. In the ground they will need shade or a little added moisture during long dry periods.
Crocus Varieties
A number of Crocus species are available including :
- Crocus vernus
Propagation
Propagation is easy by division of established clumps. For best growth and division water well through summer as this is what the species likes.
Summary
- Easy Care Bulbs
- Full Sun
- Well drained soil
- Grow well in the garden as well as containers
- Plant in clumps of 10 or more for a good display.
- Looking at Bulbs in more detail
Where to Buy
Crocus sieberi ‘Tricolor’s bulbs are available for sale online from fall to winter. Crocus bulbs are not expensive except for the rare cultivars. Expect to pay $6 for 10 bulbs plus postage for the common varieties.
