Crocus tournefortii (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering Period: Autumn to early winter
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10cm
Eventual Spread: 5cm
Hardiness: 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Iridaceae
Crocus tournefortii is a deciduous, dwarf perennial corm with a tufted growth habit. Its dark green leaves are linear with entire margins, a silvery central stripe, up to 8cm long and 3mm wide. The leaves appear before the flowers in late summer. The pale blue/ purple flowers are borne singly, up to 36m long, goblet in shape with six petals and stays open at night. Its distinctive style is bright orange and branches towards its end.
Crocus tournefortii, commonly known as the Tournefort Crocus, is native to south Greece, including its islands. In its native habitat it grows in coastal scrub and rock crevices.
The etymological root of the binomial name Crocus is derived from the Greek name Krokos, a thread, which was actually the filaments of the styles being the source of the dye. Tournefortii is named after Joseph de Tournefort (1656 – 1708), a French botanist.
The landscape architect may find Crocus tournefortii useful as a late flowering corm/ bulb suitable for rock gardens.
Ecologically, Crocus tournefortii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Crocus tournefortii has been awarded the prestigious Royal Horticultural Societies annual Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Crocus tournefortii Flower (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Crocus tournefortii prefers moist, poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil. It will tolerate most pH of soil. It required dry soils during the summer months and will not tolerate water-logging.
Crocus tournefortii requires little maintenance.
