Tecophilaea cyanocrocus
Chilean blue crocus
- Height × spread
- 0.1m × 0.05m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a stunning little plant which is presumed to be extinct in its Chilean homeland. One can see how easy it would be to harvest this to extinction, greedy for its beauty. The upright strappy leaves are a foil for the wonderful gentian-blue flowers that come in spring. They stand upright, their broad petals flared back as though gulping in the sunlight carrying a violet-like fragrance. The plant is dormant in summer and is best kept dry during its period of rest. It is not frost hardy and, unless growing in a frost free area, this must be grown in a cold greenhouse or alpine house. It needs light, gritty, well drained, fertile soil and sunshine. It grows up to 10cm (4in) high when in flower with a 5cm (2in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, floral-violet
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.1m
- Spread
- 0.05m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 0C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn-Spring · Indoors
Water moderately in autumn to spring
Resume watering in autumn and then water regularly. Reduce watering after flowers fade and the plant enters period of summer dormancy.
Spring
Spring · Planting
Repot yearly
Repot yearly if grown in a pot. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.
Be careful to ensure the roots are spread out in the new pot, and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and make sure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.
Summer
Summer · Indoors
Keep dry during dormancy
The plant is dormant in summer. Reduce watering as the leaves fade. Leave it dry for the summer and begin watering gently in autumn, or when signs of growth are visible.
Summer · Outdoors
Keep dry during dormancy
The plant is dormant in summer. Reduce watering as the leaves fade. Leave it dry for the summer and begin watering gently in autumn, or when signs of growth are visible.
Summer - late · Planting
Divide the plant
Divide the plant and throw away any poor or weak growth. Immediately replant the divided portions.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost + grit for repotting
Use a free draining loam based compost rather than one which has been modified to be 'moisture retentive'.
Alternatively prepare a compost using three parts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3) to one part of (horticultural) sand or fine (horticultural) grit.
Indoor temperature · Planting
0C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 0 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).