Crocus Chrysanthus 'Dorothy' Bulbs – Yellow Snow Crocus, Early Spring, Fall Planting

Crocus chrysanthus 'Dorothy' is one of the earliest and most cheerful signs that winter is ending. These dainty Snow Crocus open into delicate goblet-shaped blooms in warm, sunny yellow with bronzy-gold shading on the outer petals — a luminous combination that catches the late-winter light beautifully. Emerging as early as February, Dorothy naturalizes readily and multiplies year after year when left undisturbed, forming ever-expanding drifts of color. Plant in generous clusters under trees, in rockeries, containers, or at the front of borders for a reliable early-season display that grows more impressive with every passing year.

Why Gardeners Love It

• One of the earliest bloomers — flowers appear February to March, ahead of most spring bulbs
• Warm yellow goblet blooms with bronzy-gold outer petals — cheerful and distinctive
• Naturalizes freely — multiplies year after year when left undisturbed
• Thrives in rockeries, containers, lawn edges, and under trees and shrubs
• Deer and rodent deterrent tip: lay chicken wire over bulbs before covering with soil
• Fully hardy — no special winter protection needed

Growing Details

• Type: Species Crocus (Snow Crocus / Chrysanthus)
• Bloom color: Warm yellow with bronzy-gold outer petals
• Bloom time: February–March (very early spring)
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
• Planting depth: 3–4 inches (10cm)
• Spacing: 3 inches apart
• Corm size: 5/6 cm
• When to plant: Fall

Planting & Care

Plant corms pointed tip up in tight clusters to create naturalistic drifts. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot — Snow Crocus dislike sitting in wet soil. If planting in lawn, avoid mowing until foliage has fully died back in late spring. For best results, leave undisturbed for several years; established colonies can be divided in early autumn to spread throughout the garden.