How to Grow Crocus

I grow crocus in my rock garden mixed with early blooming daffodils. I also grow them in my upper garden next to the river rock wall. I planted yellow and white crocus in this section mixed with Vinca Minor ground cover.

The crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring. The foliage resembles green blades of grass. Look for signs of crocus in February, as this plant will grow even if there is snow on the ground. 

When the snow melts, you will view the green foliage or flowers. Crocus comes in an assortment of colors; yellow, purple, orange, red, pink, and white. Grow spring blooming crocus along your walkway, scattered in a rock garden, in containers, on a sunny slope, or plant an informal naturalized garden on your lawn. The crocus flower will add color and interest to your landscape..

For big beautiful blooms, I would suggest that you purchase high-quality Dutch bulbs.  In my experience, I find these bulbs are large and the flowers are healthy.  Determine if the bulb is healthy by holding it in your hand.  Note if the bulb is firm to the touch then this is an indication that the bulb is healthy. 

Crocus bulbs are easy to grow provided the garden site has full sun to part shade with well-drained soil that has a sandy loam.  Choose your garden site wisely as it is not advisable to cut back the crocus plants that grow in your lawn until the leaves die back naturally.  Thus if tall grass in late spring bothers you then refrain from planting crocus in your lawn and plant in gardens instead.

Plant the crocus bulbs by digging holes to a depth of five inches and one and a half inches wide.  Loosen the soil by removing the clumps.  Amend the soil with compost.  Fertilize the crocus by adding bone meal and blend with the soil at the bottom of the hole. 

Space holes for crocus four inches apart. Place the crocus bulb, and root end down in the center of the hole. Fill the hole with soil and water well.

Care for your crocuses by watering them daily until there is a hard frost. In spring if there are no spring showers and your ground is dry, water the crocuses. Fertilize crocuses in spring when the plants start to emerge.  Deadhead to remove spent blooms.

Warnings:

Squirrels dig up and eat crocus bulbs.  Prevent them from devouring your spring-blooming bulbs by planting the bulbs under the chicken wire.

Introduction image credit: Wikipedia commons

How to Grow and Care for Native Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera)

Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) is a long‑lived native wildflower that brings soft color, graceful foliage, and dependable blooms to shady and woodland gardens. I’ve grown spiderwort for many years, both in my own yard and while tending gardens for a Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. My love for native plants began even earlier I learned to garden at a young age by helping my father in our family gardens. Those early lessons shaped everything I do today.

This guide will help you identify, grow, and care for spiderwort using real examples from my garden, with photos taken right here on my property.

Spiderwort growing naturally in the woodland shade near my home.

🌱 What Spiderwort Looks Like

Tradescantia subaspera is a native woodland perennial that thrives in shade to part shade. Its dark green, arching leaves are long and slender, giving the plant a graceful, fountain‑like shape. When mature, spiderwort reaches 20–26 inches tall with a spread of about two feet.

Bud clusters form in April, followed by blooms in May, and the plant continues flowering into July.

Spiderwort growing naturally in rocky, clay soil near my home.

🌸 Bloom Color and Flower Structure

Spiderwort produces delicate three‑petaled flowers in shades of white, rose, purple, and deep blue. Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant produces so many buds that it flowers continuously for weeks.

Spiderwort blooming beside hostas in my shady rock garden.

🌿 Where to Grow Spiderwort

Spiderwort thrives in:

• Shady rock gardens
• Woodland edges
• Moist, rich soil
• Containers in part shade

I grow mine in the shady section of my rock garden and tucked among my hostas. It’s a forgiving plant that adapts well to clay soil, rocky terrain, and naturalized woodland settings.

🍃 Seasonal Care and Maintenance

After Blooming

Once the blooms are spent, cut the plant back. Spiderwort naturally goes dormant during the heat of summer.

Summer Protection

Apply a layer of leaf matter, pine needles, or wood‑chip mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fall Revival

In early September, remove the mulch and fertilize lightly. Spiderwort often rewards you with a second flush of fall blooms.

Disclaimer: All photos in this article were taken in my own gardens. My gardening knowledge comes from decades of hands‑on experience, beginning in childhood when I learned to garden by helping my father in our family gardens. This article reflects my personal experience growing native spiderwort in Missouri’s climate.