Crocus: Crocus tommasinianus

description for "Crocus: Crocus tommasinianus"

Crocus tommasinianus is one of the hardiest species and also one of the earliest to bloom, this crocus is silvery-grey in bud, opening to reveal a soft cobalt-violet interior. Grows well in all soil types, superb for naturalizing and seeds freely. These crocuses hail from homelands that include Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Asia Minor and China. The flowers of the species are miniature when compared to their Dutch cousins, but the species definitely hold the upper hand when it comes to color, especially the bicolored species which are exotically feathered or dusted with a secondary hue. Spring flowering species crocuses will increase their kind from year to year. Keep in mind the naturally smaller size of the species corms because you'll want enough to form tight groups. And don't forget to pot a few corms to force into early bloom in your home over winter. It's a way to preview your treasure trove weeks before the corms bloom outdoors, just about the time the snow melts. --edited by dtd siegelgirl