Crocuses — the first bulbs to flower as winter ends

The first bulbs to flower, crocuses herald the end of winter in February and March: their small violet, blue, white or yellow cups open in the sun at ground level, often before any other flower. Easy, hardy and compact, they are planted in autumn and thrive just as well in a pot on a balcony as in a window box or at the foot of a shrub.

Botanical crocuses: the earliest

Smaller and closer to the wild species, botanical crocuses are the first to flower, from February. Crocus 'Ruby Giant', a selection of Crocus tommasinianus, opens purple-violet flowers with an orange heart and multiplies year after year. Mixed botanical crocuses combine several species and colours for a staggered display. Each bulb produces several flowers, making them the best crocuses for a window box.

Large-flowered crocuses

Crocus vernus bear larger flowers in March and April, 10 to 12 cm tall. They come in blue, white, a blue and white mix or a large-flowered mix of violet, white and striped blooms. Planted in large numbers, they form true carpets of colour, in pots as in the garden.

Planting crocuses in pots

Plant the bulbs from September to November, tip upwards, 5 to 8 cm deep, just a few centimetres apart: the closer they are, the more spectacular the effect. Use a pot with drainage holes and free-draining compost, as the bulbs dislike excess water. Place the pot in full sun: the flowers only open wide in the light. Very hardy, crocuses spend the winter outdoors without protection and are among our cold and frost hardy plants.

Combining crocuses with other bulbs

Crocuses are perfect for the top layer of a lasagne-planted pot: they flower first, then give way to daffodils and tulips planted deeper, and finally to alliums. Find all our bulbs in the Flower bulbs collection.

After flowering

Let the foliage yellow naturally before cutting it back: it recharges the bulb for the following year. Botanical crocuses such as 'Ruby Giant' naturalise easily and come back every spring in growing numbers. In pots, you can leave the bulbs in place and water only if the compost becomes very dry.

Precautions

Crocus bulbs can cause digestive upset if eaten, especially by cats and dogs. Keep them out of reach of children and pets before planting.

Crocuses on the balcony

A few dozen bulbs are enough to turn a window box into a carpet of flowers as winter ends. Paired with hellebores or small evergreen shrubs, they bring the first colours of the year, ideal for styling a balcony in bloom from February.