Crocus – ‘Orange Monarch’

Crocus – ‘Orange Monarch’

$8.99

Package Count: 10 corms per pack
The ‘Orange Monarch’ (Crocus olivieri subsp. balansae) flower bulb is a rare, spectacular snow crocus variety celebrated for bringing an exceptionally unique and intense color to the early spring garden. Boasting a striking amber-orange hue that is highly unusual for a crocus, its goblet-shaped flowers feature rich mahogany to purple-black feathering along the exterior of the outer petals. These compact, jewel-like blooms open wide in bright sunshine and close tight during rainy weather or evening chills, emerging alongside narrow, grass-like green foliage marked by a distinctive silvery central stripe. It is an outstanding choice for naturalizing in lawns, borders, or containers, providing a critical early food source for waking spring pollinators.

Description

Package Count: 10 corms per pack
The ‘Orange Monarch’ (Crocus olivieri subsp. balansae) flower bulb is a rare, spectacular snow crocus variety celebrated for bringing an exceptionally unique and intense color to the early spring garden. Boasting a striking amber-orange hue that is highly unusual for a crocus, its goblet-shaped flowers feature rich mahogany to purple-black feathering along the exterior of the outer petals. These compact, jewel-like blooms open wide in bright sunshine and close tight during rainy weather or evening chills, emerging alongside narrow, grass-like green foliage marked by a distinctive silvery central stripe. It is an outstanding choice for naturalizing in lawns, borders, or containers, providing a critical early food source for waking spring pollinators.

Plant Characteristics

  • Color: Radiant golden-orange interiors with dramatic mahogany or bronze-black feathering on the outside petals.
  • Bloom Type: Small, cup- or goblet-shaped botanical snow crocus flowers.
  • Height: Compact and low-growing, reaching 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall.
  • Fragrance: None.
  • Bloom Time: Very early spring (frequently blooming while snow is still on the ground).
  • Hardiness: Zones 3 through 9.

Growing & Planting Guide

  • Timing: Plant corms in the fall before the first hard ground freeze.
  • Depth: Plant 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) deep.
  • Spacing: Space corms 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) apart; plant in large groups of 20 to 50 for the most striking visual impact.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (requires good sun exposure to coax the blooms open).
  • Soil: Well-drained, loose, gritty, or sandy soil; avoid heavy, wet soil to protect against winter corm rot.

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