Alphabetical Plant Listing

Crocus vernus 'Vanguard' (Dutch Crocus)

Dutch Crocus 'Vanguard', Crocus 'Vanguard', Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers


Usually the earliest of the large crocus cultivars to flower, Giant Dutch Crocus 'Vanguard' is a cheerful sight with its large, cup-shaped, bluish-lilac flowers adorned with brilliant orange stamens and stigma. The outer petals are paler and silvered. A feast for the eyes. Extremely vigorous, long-lived and appropriate for naturalizing, this crocus belongs to the Crocus vernus group, known for its flowers that are larger than any other of the crocuses.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • This crocus blooms for about 3 weeks in early spring. The calyx-shaped flowers open only when the sun shines or when there is a lot of light; they close up in rainy weather and at night. Did you know that crocus bulbs remaining in the ground will always bloom a bit earlier than the ones planted the previous year?
  • Growing up to 4-6 inches tall (10-15 cm), this beauty naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade.
  • Stunning in beds, lawns, under trees, rock gardens, in front of shrubs, along walkways. Spectacular in large sweeping drifts. For optimal effect, 100 to 150 corms should be planted. If used in lawns, however, the grass may not be mowed until six weeks after the crocuses have bloomed. If mowed earlier than this, the newly forming cormlets (developing on top of the mother corm) will not become large enough to flower next year. Great for forcing!
  • To be planted in fall.
  • Crocus vernus is native to the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Balkans.

Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Spring Flower Bulbs

 To achieve optimum flowering results, it is important to plant the bulbs at the right time.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Crocus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Height 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm)
Spread 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm)
Spacing 3" (7cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Crocus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Height 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm)
Spread 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm)
Spacing 3" (7cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Crocus

Guides with Crocus

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Crocus vernus 'Vanguard' (Dutch Crocus)

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