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Description
Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant, also known as Tommasini’s Crocus, is a beautiful spring-flowering plant that grows from small bulbs. The plant blooms in late winter or early spring, producing strikingly vibrant ruby-red flowers that add a pop of color to any garden. The plant is native to Eastern Europe and the Balkans, but it is now widely grown in gardens across the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Crocus |
Appearance
Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant grows to a height of around 10cm (4in) and produces flowers with a diameter of around 5cm (2in). The petals are a vibrant ruby-red color with a yellow center, and they are slightly elongated in shape. The leaves are narrow and grass-like, with a light green color. The plant produces small bulbs that multiply over time, forming clumps of plants.
Care Guide
Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering during the dormant season.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring when growth starts, and again after the flowering season is over.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, some potential issues to watch out for include:Squirrels and rodents: These animals may dig up and eat the bulbs.Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause the flowers and leaves to become spotted and eventually die.Bulb rot: This disease can cause the bulbs to rot and die.
Habitat
Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant is native to Eastern Europe and the Balkans, where it grows in meadows and wooded areas. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter, and it can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the containers have adequate drainage and the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged.Q: When is the best time to plant Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant bulbs?
A: The best time to plant the bulbs is in the fall, around 6 weeks before the first expected frost.Q: How often should I fertilize Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant?
A: Fertilize the plant once in early spring and again after the flowering season is over.Q: How long do the flowers of Crocus Tommasinianus Ruby Giant last?
A: The flowers typically last for around 2-3 weeks.
Related Plants
Other related plants in the Crocus genus include:- Crocus Sativus (Saffron Crocus)- Crocus Vernus (Dutch Crocus)- Crocus Chrysanthus (Snow Crocus)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Crocus Tommasinianus. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278370&isprofile=0&basic=Crocus%20tommasinianus.- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Crocus Tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/87042/Crocus-tommasinianus-Ruby-Giant/Details.
