TOW Crocuses
J.E. Shields (Tue, 04 Feb 2003 05:08:13 PST)

Hi all,

I'm a frustrated admirer of crocuses. Mostly they have not lasted long for
me here. A few are hanging on.

Crocus tommasinianus is a great survivor. I have one small clump, probably
from a single corm originally, that has survived 20 years. Others that
I've planted are generally surviving (planted in better spots perhaps) but
I don't see any signs of increase. At least I see some blooms in spring.

Crocus speciosus is a fall blooming species that is surviving and blooming,
but again I see little sign of increase. I want crocuses that bloom and
grow like weeds!

Crocus nudiflorus corms started out as 5 plants, and after about 5 years
are down to one or two. Very sad.

Crocus kotchyanus survives but does not bloom here. Annoying!

Crocus banaticus corms never came up.

It's a sad story I know. I'm taking note of the various contributions from
others in similar climates, and I hope to try some new varieties this
coming year. Please make suggestions for varieties and for sources of
them; I intend to go shopping!

Jim Shields
in cold, snowy central Indiana

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Jim Shields USDA Zone 5 Shields Gardens, Ltd.
P.O. Box 92 WWW: http://www.shieldsgardens.com/
Westfield, Indiana 46074, USA Tel. +1-317-896-3925
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