Crocus Species 'Fuscotinctus'

Overview

Crocus Species 'Fuscotinctus': The Bronze-Feathered Gold

Add a touch of antique botanical charm to your garden with Crocus 'Fuscotinctus'. One of the most distinctive varieties of the "Snow Crocus" (Crocus chrysanthus), this heirloom gem is prized for its unique colouration. The blooms feature a deep, rich golden-yellow interior, while the outer petals are elegantly feathered with bronze-brown stripes, giving the closed flower a fascinating striped appearance. When the sun shines, the petals open wide to reveal the glowing gold heart, creating a stunning contrast against the dark outer markings. Blooming incredibly early, often while snow is still on the ground, it is famous for its sweet, honey-like fragrance and ability to produce multiple flowers from a single bulb.

Key Features

• Striking Striped Pattern: The bronze "feathering" on the outside of the petals makes this variety fascinating to look at even when the flowers are closed on cloudy days.

• Fragrant Blooms: Unlike many crocuses, 'Fuscotinctus' carries a mild, sweet scent, which is best appreciated when planted in pots or window boxes near the house.

• Prolific & Hardy: A vigorous grower that establishes quickly, sending up 3 to 4 blooms per corm to create dense little clumps of colour.

• Early Pollinator Source: The golden centres act as a warm, inviting landing pad for the very first bees of the season searching for pollen.

Gardener's Tip

To make the unique bronze stripes of 'Fuscotinctus' truly stand out, avoid planting them against bare brown earth where they might blend in. Instead, plant them in gravel gardens, rockeries with grey stone chippings, or alongside the silver-blue foliage of Crocus 'Blue Pearl'. The light background will make the dark bronze markings pop, creating a sophisticated "tiger stripe" effect.

Specifications