Contents
Description
Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty is a beautiful and popular spring-flowering plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is also known as Tommie crocus, Dwarf crocus or Snow crocus. This plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean, especially Greece and Turkey, and it blooms in late winter to early spring for about 2 to 3 weeks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Crocus |
Appearance
Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty is a small-sized plant that grows up to 2-3 inches tall. It has grass-like leaves that are narrow in shape and grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are star-shaped and have six petals that come in a range of colors like lilac, white, or pale blue. The flowers bloom in late winter to early spring, and the plant produces only one flower per bulb.
Care Guide
Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal attention. Here are some tips to help you take care of your plant:
- Water: Water your plant regularly during its growing season, but do not overwater it. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once in the fall and once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows well in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The following are some common pests and diseases that can affect Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty:
- Bulb mites: These pests damage the bulbs and can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease causes the flowers to turn brown and the leaves to wilt.
- Stagonospora curtisii: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can cause the plant to die.
Habitat
Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty is native to the eastern Mediterranean, especially Greece and Turkey. It grows in rocky and sandy soils in dry grasslands, meadows, and woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I plant Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in the fall, about 4 inches deep and 3 inches apart.
Q: Can I grow Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant indoors in a pot, but it requires cool temperatures and bright light.
Q: How long do the flowers of Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty last?
A: The flowers of Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty last for about 2 to 3 weeks.
Q: Can I propagate Crocus Minimus Spring Beauty?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant by dividing the bulbs in the fall.
Related Plants
- Crocus Vernus
- Crocus Sativus
- Crocus Chrysanthus
References
- “Crocus minimus (spring beauty crocus).” PlantzAfrica, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/crocusminimus.htm.
- “Crocus minimus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b934.
- “Crocus minimus.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/203756/Crocus-minimus/Details.
