Crocus chrysanthus aka Golden Crocus

Taxonomy

Crocus chrysanthus, also known as the snow crocus or golden crocus, is a flowering plant from the Crocus genus in the Iridaceae family. Native to the Balkans and Turkey, this perennial corm grows up to 8cm tall and features long, narrow, dark green leaves with a fine, central, white stripe. Its striking orange-yellow bowl-shaped flowers add a vibrant touch to late winter and early spring. Despite having smaller corms and flowers compared to the giant Dutch crocus, Crocus chrysanthus produces a higher number of blooms per bulb. This early bloomer earns its common name, "snow crocus," as it emerges through the snow about two weeks before the giant crocus. With a height of 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm), this species exhibits a delightful display of vivid colors, making it a charming addition to any garden.

Common names

Golden Crocus, Snow Crocus

How to care for Golden Crocus

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Golden Crocus due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Golden Crocus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Golden Crocus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Golden Crocus thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Golden Crocus.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Golden Crocus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Golden Crocus is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia