Woodland crocus (Crocus tommasinianus)

Also known as: Tommasini's crocus, Early crocus

Woodland crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) is known for its early blooms from late winter to early spring, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. To ensure healthy growth and vibrant flowers, plant the bulbs in the fall, ideally between September and November. Bulbs established in the ground for several years often bloom earlier than those planted the previous fall.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Woodland crocus

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm

Spread

5 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)

Flower Color

Purple White Pink Red Lavender Violet

Images of Woodland crocus

Quickly Identify Woodland crocus

Bright, cup-shaped flowers 1-4 inches across (2.5-10 cm)

Lavender to red-purple flower color with white throats

Blooms unfurl in morning and close at evening

Scientific Classification of Woodland crocus

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Iris

Genus

Crocuses

Species

Woodland crocus

Planting and Growing of Woodland crocus

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-68℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Woodland crocus?

For Crocus tommasinianus, it is important to ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done to a depth where the top 2 inches of soil are moist. This ensures proper hydration without drowning the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Woodland crocus? ›

What should I do if my Woodland crocus is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Woodland crocus? ›

How to save an overwatered Woodland crocus? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Woodland crocus?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 3 to 6 hours

Crocus tommasinianus enjoys full to partial sun, with benefits including stronger, healthier blooms, enhanced bulb multiplication, and resistance to common plant stressors due to adequate photosynthesis.

What is the best position for Crocus tommasinianus? ›

How can I ensure Crocus tommasinianus gets ideal lighting? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Crocus tommasinianus? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Woodland crocus?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 68℉

Crocus tommasinianus thrives best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 68°F. This temperature range offers the perfect balance between warmth and coolness, allowing the plants to grow efficiently. In this range, the metabolic processes are optimized, enhancing flowering and root development.

What Soil is Best for Woodland crocus?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sand soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Crocus tommasinianus thrives in well-draining soils that allow excess water to escape efficiently, preventing root rot and other moisture-related diseases. This ensures healthy root growth and vibrant blooms. A nutrient-rich soil mix helps support the growth and flowering of Crocus tommasinianus. Supplementing with organic matter or a balanced fertilizer can provide essential nutrients. The bulbs of Crocus tommasinianus benefit from loose and aerated soil, which promotes easier root expansion and improves access to nutrients, leading to more robust flowering.

How to Fertilize Woodland crocus?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Crocus tommasinianus, it’s important to provide a balanced quantity that’s gentle yet supportive of its growth. Typically, you should use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength, and apply about 1-2 teaspoons per square foot, ensuring not to overwhelm the delicate plant.

How to Prune Woodland crocus?

Pruning Time: Autumn

Begin by gently pulling or cutting away any dead or withered foliage. It's important to wait until the foliage has naturally yellowed and dried after flowering, as this allows the plant to fully photosynthesize and store energy for the next growing cycle.

How to Propagate Woodland crocus plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late autumn

Begin by filling seed trays with well-draining soil. Sow the Crocus tommasinianus seeds on the soil surface, pressing them lightly into the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite and water gently.

Carefully dig up the corms during early spring or late autumn. Use a sharp knife to divide the corms, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of the root system. Replant the divided corms in prepared soil promptly.

After sowing seeds or planting divided corms, water the area thoroughly. Maintain consistent moisture levels, but avoid waterlogging. Provide protection from harsh weather to ensure healthy growth.

How to Repot Woodland crocus plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 3-4 years

Crocus tommasinianus typically needs repotting when its bulbs begin to outgrow the current pot, showing visible crown growth above the soil surface, or if the pot retains too much water. Ideally, repot when you notice decreased flower production or if roots become visible at drainage holes.

Opt for a terracotta or ceramic pot with ample drainage holes to ensure root aeration and prevent waterlogging. The new pot should be slightly larger than the previous one, allowing some room for bulb growth but not so large that soil moisture retention becomes excessive. This balance safeguards against overwatering and ensures efficient drainage.

Select a gritty, well-draining soil mix, ideally comprising sandy loam or a combination of garden soil, coarse sand, and fine gravel. This encourages healthy root growth, prevents water accumulation, and mimics the natural rocky ground conditions Crocus tommasinianus thrives in, promoting optimal plant health.

Toxicity of Woodland crocus

Is Woodland crocus toxic to cat?

The woodland crocus exhibits a toxic nature for cats. Cats may suffer poisoning if they inadvertently eat any part of this plant. Due to its toxicity, ingestion can lead to discomfort in cats, including gastrointestinal issues or neurological symptoms. It is essential for cat owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets and restrict their access to woodland crocus. If a cat consumes any part of the woodland crocus, it is crucial to take them to a veterinary hospital promptly for proper treatment to alleviate any adverse effects or illnesses associated with the poisoning.

Is Woodland crocus toxic to dog?

The woodland crocus is recognized as a toxic species for dogs. When any part of this plant is ingested by a dog, it poses a risk of poisoning due to its toxic properties. Dogs may inadvertently consume pieces of the woodland crocus while exploring the outdoors or if they gain access to areas where the plant is located. The potential symptoms that may arise following the ingestion of woodland crocus include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and potentially more severe systemic repercussions based on the quantity consumed. It is essential for dog owners to remain alert and stop their pets from coming into contact with woodland crocus. If there is a suspicion that a dog has ingested any part of this plant, it is critical to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the most favorable outcome for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.