It is the clear vibrant colour of its flowers that makes this crocus such a winner. A native of Turkey and western China, Crocus ancyrensis has striking, deep orange yellow, rounded, half an inch to one and a quarter inch flowers, that are produced in profusion in January and February, with as many as five blooms growing from a single corm. The tiny flowers have great impact at the front of a herbaceous or mixed border. As with other crocuses, this one may be planted in a pot and brought indoors just as the flower buds begin to show. It should be grown in full sun, in gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil.
Propagation: Sow seed as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame. Leave seedlings for two years before planting out. Remove the cormlets during the dormant season. |
It just wouldn't be spring without crocuses. These brave little plants come from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and western China. Because of their popularity, there is now a bewildering number of varieties. Appearing in January, 'De Jager' is one of the best of the early flowerers. Its striking blooms are a rich purple violet on the inside, honey brown on the outside, with pronounced violet stripes. The flower stalks grow to four inches, and shiny, dark green leaves appear as the flowers begin to fade. It should be grown in full sun, in poor to moderately fertile, gritty, well drained soil.
Propagation: Collect seed as soon as ripe and sow immediately in containers in a cold frame. Leave seedlings for two years before planting out. Remove cormlets during the dormant season. |
Sieberi crocuses are not the most robust members of the family but are well worth the effort, with their vigorous growth and scented flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. 'Bowies' White' is a particularly beautiful cultivar, with its pure white flower and deep golden throat. It will grow to two or three inches and will flower over a long period. The foliage is grass like. Planted in a raised bed or trough it can be seen to its best advantage. It should be planted three inches deep, in gritty soil, that is well drained but not too fertile in full sun.
Propagation: Collect seed as soon as ripe and sow immediately in containers in a cold frame. Leave seedlings two years before planting out. Remove cormlets during the dormant season. |
