What soil does Crocus grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Crocus toxic to dogs?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs.

Is Crocus toxic to cats?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to cats.

When does Crocus flower?

Flowering: February–April, purple, white, yellow.

How much water does Crocus need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Crocus cost?

It sells for roughly €6 to €12 in local shops, depending on size.

Crocus

Crocus × hybridus

Crocus (Crocus × hybridus) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €6.

Illustration of Crocus — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Spring crocuses bring the first colour of the year: the smaller-flowered early kinds open at the end of winter, the large-flowered Dutch hybrids follow two or three weeks later, and early bees visit them eagerly. Plant the corms in autumn 6-10 cm deep and 8-10 cm apart in generous, loose drifts, in sun or under deciduous trees and in well-drained soil; they dislike heavy, wet clay. In a good spot they multiply by offsets and seed and naturalise well in lawns, but only if you hold off mowing for about six weeks after flowering, until the leaves have yellowed. When choosing, look at colour (purple, white, yellow or striped), flower size and timing: large-flowered hybrids are best in grass, the early small-flowered ones in rock gardens and pots.

Watch out for

Rodents are the main enemy: mice, voles and squirrels dig up and eat the corms, especially newly planted ones, so where voles are common plant them in wire baskets or under dense ground cover. Deer tend to leave them alone. Corms rot in waterlogged soil. The flowers stay closed at night and in dull weather, and birds sometimes shred the yellow kinds.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 12 cm × 15 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D February–April, purple, white, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	12 cm × 15 cm
Ultimate size	8–15 cm × 8–15 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	February–April, purple, white, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	8 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic
For cats	Mildly toxic
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €6

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15+ cm	approx. €6
size not stated	approx. €6 – €12

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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