Description
Crocus Ruby Giant (Crocus tommasinianus)
Crocus Ruby Giant is a variety of Crocus tommasinianus, a corm-forming perennial from the Iridaceae family, native to Southern Europe and the Balkans. Its purple blooms, with subtle red tones and bright orange stamens, bring early colour to borders, lawns, and containers in late winter to early spring.
Ruby Giant is more shade-tolerant than other crocuses, thriving in cool to warmer climates with morning sun and afternoon shade. It naturalises easily, returning yearly with minimal care and offering early nectar for pollinators and spring charm.
Uses in the Garden
Crocus Ruby Giant is incredibly versatile, thriving in lawns, borders, and containers. Its pollinator-friendly blooms offer vital early-season nectar for bees and other insects, making it a valuable addition to any garden. When planted in large groups, it creates an eye-catching carpet of rich purple flowers that brighten gardens at the very start of spring.
Key Uses:
- Naturalising in lawns, beds, and under deciduous trees
- Bringing early colour to shaded borders and pathways
- Planting in containers for portable spring displays
- Supporting early pollinators with nectar
Climate Suitability
Crocus Ruby Giant is well-suited to cool to subtropical climates, adapting particularly well to warmer regions due to its shade tolerance. In cooler areas, it thrives thanks to consistent winter chill and moist, well-drained soil. In Mediterranean and arid regions, it benefits from dry summers that reduce rot risk, while in subtropical climates, planting in the morning sun with afternoon shade helps the corms stay cooler. Its ability to adapt to different environments makes it a top pick for gardeners across various climates.
How to Plant Crocus Ruby Giant
- Location: Plant in full sun to part shade.
- Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Amend clay soils with sand or compost.
- Depth & Spacing: Plant bulbs 10 cm deep and 7-10 cm apart. In warmer climates, plant deeper to protect from heat fluctuations.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the corms settle. Minimal watering is needed once established.
- Fertilising: Apply blood and bone or a balanced fertiliser at planting to support growth.
Mulching: Add a light mulch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Aftercare
Crocus Ruby Giant is low maintenance, returning year after year when planted in well-drained soil. Allow the foliage to naturally die back after flowering to help the corms store energy. In wet summers, lift and store corms during dormancy to prevent rot. In warmer, humid areas, a 6-week chilling period during dormancy can improve flowering consistency. Once established, these crocuses will require little attention, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners or naturalised areas that require minimal intervention.
Division
Over time, Crocus Ruby Giant will multiply and form clumps, making it perfect for naturalising. Divide clumps every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy growth.
How to Divide:
- Timing: Late summer, when the corms are dormant
- Lifting: Gently lift clumps using a garden fork
- Separating: Pull apart corms, ensuring each has roots attached
- Replanting: Replant immediately or store in a cool, dry place until the next season
Pests and Diseases
While Crocus Ruby Giant is generally low-maintenance, it may be affected by pests or diseases if planted in poorly drained soil or if conditions are too wet.
Common Pests:
- Slugs/snails: Use crushed eggshells or coffee grounds as deterrents
- Rodents/birds: Protect bulbs with chicken wire to prevent digging
Common Diseases:
- Botrytis (Grey Mould): Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering
- Corm Rot: Plant in well-drained soil to reduce the risk of waterlogging
Safety
Crocuses are harmful if eaten. If ingested or if any symptoms occur, seek medical advice immediately.
Safety Tips:
- Keep bulbs out of reach of pets and children
- Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin when handling bulbs
- Monitor pets to prevent accidental ingestion during planting or blooming
Supplied as dormant bulbs.