Species Crocus Tricolor Bulbs – Lilac, White & Yellow, Snow Crocus, Fall Planting

Crocus sieberi 'Tricolor' is one of the most visually complex and beautiful of all the Snow Crocus — a tiny bloom that packs an extraordinary amount of color into its petals. True to its name, each flower displays lilac-blue outer petals that transition through a crisp white band into a vivid golden-yellow throat, with a soft pinkish-lilac blush often visible on the inner edges. The result is a four-color gradient in a single small flower — sophisticated, delicate, and genuinely unlike any other crocus. Even when closed on cloudy days, the sunny yellow-orange base provides a cheerful glow. Plant in generous drifts for a naturalistic early-spring display that builds year after year.

Why Gardeners Love It

• Extraordinary multi-color blooms — lilac-blue, white, and golden-yellow in a single flower
• A fourth soft pinkish-lilac often appears on the inner petal edges — endlessly detailed up close
• Even closed buds show a beautiful sunny yellow-orange base on dull days
• Snow Crocus — blooms very early, February to March, before most spring bulbs emerge
• Naturalizes freely — multiplies and spreads when left undisturbed
• Fully hardy and low-maintenance

Growing Details

• Type: Species Crocus (Snow Crocus / Sieberi)
• Bloom color: Lilac-blue petals, white band, golden-yellow throat
• Bloom time: February–March (very early spring)
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Gritty, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
• Planting depth: 2–3 inches
• Spacing: 2–3 inches apart
• Corm size: 5/6 cm
• When to plant: Fall

Planting & Care

Plant corms pointed tip up in well-drained soil in fall. Best in full sun where flowers open fully. Group in tight clusters for the most naturalistic effect. If naturalizing in lawn, avoid mowing until foliage has fully yellowed in late spring to allow the corm to recharge for next year.