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Description
Crocus Tommasinianus, also known as Tommasini’s Crocus, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. This plant is native to the Balkans, particularly in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers that bloom in early spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota || Kingdom | Plantae || Phylum | Tracheophyta || Class | Liliopsida || Order | Asparagales || Family | Iridaceae || Genus | Crocus |
Appearance
Crocus Tommasinianus has narrow, grass-like leaves that grow up to 10 cm in length. The plant produces flowers that are typically lilac or lavender in color, with darker violet stripes on the petals. The flowers grow up to 5 cm in diameter and have a cup-shaped appearance. The plant grows up to 10 cm in height and has a corm, which is a rounded underground stem.
Care Guide
Crocus Tommasinianus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care to thrive. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it should not be watered excessively. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well in shaded areas.- Hardiness Zones: Crocus Tommasinianus is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crocus Tommasinianus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Squirrels: Squirrels may dig up the corms and eat them.- Aphids: Aphids can infest the plant and cause damage to the leaves and flowers.- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the leaves and flowers.
Habitat
Crocus Tommasinianus is native to the Balkans, where it grows in rocky, mountainous areas. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate some dryness. The plant is also commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Crocus Tommasinianus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Crocus Tommasinianus can be grown indoors in pots. However, it requires a period of cold dormancy, so it may be difficult to get it to bloom indoors.
Q: How long do the flowers of Crocus Tommasinianus last?
A: The flowers of Crocus Tommasinianus typically last for a few weeks in early spring.
Q: Can Crocus Tommasinianus be planted in containers?
A: Yes, Crocus Tommasinianus can be planted in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.
Q: When should Crocus Tommasinianus be planted?
A: Crocus Tommasinianus should be planted in the fall, at least 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Crocus Tommasinianus:- Crocus chrysanthus- Crocus sativus- Crocus vernus- Crocus sieberi
References
– Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Crocus tommasinianus. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/6285/Crocus-tommasinianus/Details- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Crocus tommasinianus. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b635
