14 Beautiful Crocus Varieties To Plant

The Crocus genus comprises at least 90 species that grow from bulb-like corms. Of these, a relatively small group is commonly cultivated for garden use, including some that are spring bloomers: C. tommasinianus (snow crocus), C. vernus (Dutch crocus), and C. chrysanthus (golden crocus or snow crocus). There are also some fall-blooming crocus species, including C. sativus (saffron crocus).
Crocuses have been in cultivation since the 1500s, and there are hundreds of varieties available — consider these 14 crocus varieties for your garden.  

Most crocuses need 10–14 weeks at temperatures of 35–40 degrees Fahrenheit. Create these conditions by storing crocus bulbs in a refrigerator beginning in late October and then planting them in the late winter for early spring bloom. Make sure not to store crocus bulbs near fruit, which gives off ethylene gas that damages the embryonic flowers inside the bulbs.

Native Area: Southeastern EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Alpine areas of EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 4–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Alpine areas of EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–7 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Alpine areas of EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Alpine areas of EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 2–3 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade 

Native Area: Turkey, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade 

Native Area: Unknown; possibly GreeceUSDA Growing Zones: 6–8Height: 3–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade 

Native Area: Greece, MediterraneanUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade