Crocus Prins Claus (Crocus vernus 'Prins Claus')
Overview
Crocus Prins Claus is a stunning early spring flowering bulb that brings vibrant colour to your garden when most other plants are still dormant. This robust Dutch crocus variety produces distinctive white petals elegantly striped with rich purple, creating a striking two-tone effect that adds sophistication to any garden display.
Key Features
This reliable perennial bulb reaches a compact height of 10-15cm, making it perfect for rock gardens, containers, and naturalising in grass. The goblet-shaped flowers emerge from February to March, often pushing through snow to herald the arrival of spring. Each bulb produces multiple blooms over several weeks, extending the flowering period.
Flower Characteristics
The flowers of Prins Claus are particularly noteworthy for their crisp white petals marked with deep purple stripes on the exterior. When closed, the buds display the purple striping prominently, whilst open flowers reveal clean white interiors with bright orange stamens. The flowers close at night and during overcast weather, protecting the delicate reproductive parts.
Growing Conditions
Crocus Prins Claus thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded position. The bulbs are remarkably hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C, making them suitable for most British gardens. They perform best in slightly alkaline soil but will adapt to most garden conditions provided drainage is adequate.
Planting Guide
Plant bulbs in autumn from September to November, positioning them 8cm deep and 8cm apart. In heavy clay soils, add grit or sharp sand to improve drainage. For naturalising in grass, plant bulbs randomly at the same depth, allowing the foliage to die back naturally before mowing resumes in late spring.
Care and Maintenance
These low-maintenance bulbs require minimal care once established. Water during dry spells in spring whilst in growth, but avoid watering during the summer dormant period. Allow foliage to remain for at least six weeks after flowering to build up energy reserves for the following year. Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring if desired, though this is rarely necessary in good garden soil.
Garden Uses
Prins Claus is excellent for creating early colour in borders, rock gardens, and containers. It naturalises beautifully in grass areas and under deciduous trees, where it can flower before the canopy leafs out. The bulbs multiply readily, creating impressive drifts over time. They also make charming cut flowers for small arrangements.
Companion Planting
Pair with other early spring bulbs such as snowdrops, winter aconites, and early daffodils for extended seasonal interest. The white and purple colouration complements yellow winter jasmine and early flowering shrubs like Daphne mezereum.
Expected Performance
Once established, Crocus Prins Claus will flower reliably each spring for many years. The bulbs multiply naturally through offsets, gradually increasing the display. In favourable conditions, colonies can persist and expand for decades with minimal intervention, providing excellent value for the initial investment.
Buying Bulbs from Jacksons Nurseries
Bulbs are supplied either in pre-packaged retail packs or in some cases they are loosly picked and sent bagged.