Crocus ochroleucus

Crocus ochroleucus is a botanical species from Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel that blooms in the heart of autumn, in October-November. This rarely planted species is known for its ability to multiply rapidly and its ease of cultivation in very well-drained soil, dry in summer. Its small, bright cream white flowers open repeatedly whenever the weather allows, over a long period. It can be planted in a rock garden, a gravel garden, a raised bed, or even in a lawn in favourable climates. The hardiness of this crocus is estimated at -17 °C.

Crocus ochroleucus belongs to the iris family like other crocuses. This species, native to the Middle East, naturally grows in rocky hills. Despite its origin, it is cold-resistant. Its corms descend deeply, which protects them from the cold and rodents. And summer drought is not a problem, quite the opposite.

Crocus ochroleucus blooms between late October and early December, depending on the climate. Each bulb produces several, 3-4 cm tall flowers, carried by a long tube. They emerge from the ground at the same time as the leaves develop. The elongated cup-shaped flowers are composed of 6 cream-white petals with a yellow base. They open to reveal a yellow throat. The flowers close at night and in rainy weather, then open wide in the sun. The foliage consists of fine, linear, single, alternate, medium green leaves, with a prominent central vein. The 'bulbs' are actually corms covered by a skin of parallel fibres. A corm is, in plant morphology, an underground storage organ that looks like a bulb but is formed by a swollen stem surrounded by fibrous skin. This ochroleuca variety produces many small baby corms and freely self-seeds in light soil.

Botanical crocuses are particularly suitable for naturalisation through sowing in wild meadows or under deciduous trees. Crocus ochroleucus will brighten up the short days of autumn. It will thrive and naturalise in the sun in any very well-drained soil. Combine autumn crocuses with spring crocuses to enjoy multiple flowerings throughout the year. Some ideas for combinations: with blanda anemones and Naples cyclamens, or other small spring bulbs like tulips and botanical narcissus.

A tip for crocuses: the roots have the particular ability to contract like a spring, allowing the plant to settle at the ideal depth for the plant.