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 he stars of the autumn-winter crocuses begin with Crocus tommasianus. For great swathes of crocuses across a late winter lawn, this is the one to get. It's a rapid self-seeder, the furled buds opening flat in even the weakest winter suns. 'Ruby Giant' is a striking violet purple, which goes well with the excellent white Crocus tommasianus albus; 'Barr's Purple' and 'Whitewell Purple' also add plenty of zip at this drab time of year.
he well scented Crocus speciosus is equally excellent, and gets rave reviews from top gardeners. It's not an aggressive invader, grows well in grass, is one of the bluest crocuses (networked by attractive dark blue veins), and has marvellous bright orange red stigma. It's not perfect and lies down within two days of appearing as the stems aren't strong enough. If that's put you off, and it shouldn't, go for the rich rosy lilac Crocus nudiflorus.
 nyone after something special must get Crocus banaticus, a genuine gem. The rich lilac flower (paler within) is more like an iris, and stands out from the rest of the crocus family. The white form can cost quite a lot more than its more commonplace cousins, but the stunning display given is well worth it.
o end the year on a high, get Crocus laevigatus. The best form is the large lilac, 'Fontenayi', which is completely hardy, although it does best with shelter. So, don't forget. Ten minutes planting, that's all, then it's years and years of success.
Cultivation Notes
Crocuses generally need a bright sunny position and good drainage (the rarer specialised bulbs may need careful cosseting in an alpine house so the watering can be carefully monitored). Plant the spring flowering kind in the autumn, and the autumn kind in late summer, three inches deep.
When naturalising them in grass, cut out three sides of an imagined square on the ground, going right through the turf. Peel it back, lightly prong the soil if it is compacted, scatter the corms about three inches apart, adding a touch of bonemeal, and firm down the turf. Don't mow the area until the leaves have died back because they help build up crucial energy supplies for next year's display. Mice are crocuses' only real enemy.
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