The crocus is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family.
They are perennials that grow from corms.
Flowers can appear from autumn through winter, to spring.
Crocuses are native to woodland, scrub and meadows.
They grow from sea level to alpine tundra
in Central and Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
They thrive in a range of environments, from meadows and grasslands to rocky slopes. Their versatility in adapting to different climates makes them a gardener's favourite.
They are especially cold-hardy.
Crocus varieties include spring-blooming types like the large-flowered Dutch Crocus (Crocus Vernus), which is notable for cultivars like 'Pickwick.
A smaller species of crocus is Crocus tommasinianus.
Another type, Crocus sativus, the source of Saffron, blooms in autumn.
Did you know that you need approximately 150,000 flowers to produce just one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of saffron?
Saffron is the stigma of the flower.
That explains why it is such an expensive spice to buy!
There are around 90 different varieties of crocus, with an array of colours, shapes, and sizes!
I snapped these photos so you could see how gorgeous the
lavender flowers with bright yellow stamens are!
I'm not sure of the name of this one, but these crocuses grow in pots and in the garden beds of 'Mia Bella Passions' gardens.
I'm not sure of the name of this one, but these crocuses grow in pots and in the garden beds of 'Mia Bella Passions' gardens.
I think they make a stunning display in a beautiful glazed pot.
What's not to love about the crocus?
Find out how HERE.
