Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) Crocus tommasinianus
Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) (Crocus tommasinianus) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Woods and hills of Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria. It grows 7–10 cm (3–4 in) tall and 5–8 cm (2–3 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 7 cm (3 in) apart.
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Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 7–10 cm (3–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 cm (2–3 in) |
| Spacing | 7 cm (3 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woods and hills of Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: corms
Spring crocuses cause stomach upset if eaten; do not confuse with the deadly autumn crocus (Colchicum), a different plant.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus)
- How far apart should I plant Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus)?
- About 7 cm (3 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 cm (2–3 in).
- Does Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) flower?
- From about February for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Spring crocuses cause stomach upset if eaten; do not confuse with the deadly autumn crocus (Colchicum), a different plant.
- What grows well with Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Early crocus (Tommasini’s crocus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- Slender, pale lavender goblets with white tubes that open flat in late-winter sun, among the first crocuses and an early feast for bees. Spreads by seed into lawns and drifts; squirrels leave it alone more than other crocuses.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora