 |
|
|
|
![]()
Crocus
|
|
Once the crocuses start to bloom you can be sure that winter is on its way out. The botanical or wild crocuses are the earliest, beginning to bloom at the end of January. They easily run wild, so you can expect their flowering to increase every year. As there are many different colours and varieties of crocuses, there is always something for everyone. Indeed, if you feel spoilt for choice, you can always buy a mixed package containing all the colours. This is an ideal solution for planting around a lawn or cheering up a border along a garden path.
The wild crocus is a stalkless, short tubular which is a native of the Mediterranean. Its name comes from the Greek word 'krokos', meaning saffron. Saffron, as a herb, is made from the dried stamen of the crocus and is widely used in the oriental kitchen.
There is a change of guard when the botanical crocuses are relieved by the large crowned varieties that continue blooming into March. These crocuses originally come from more mountainous areas, mainly the Alps and the Pyrenees, and they are marvellous eye-catchers when planted in long ribbons or in groups in lawns.
Large flowering crocuses can also provide wonderful bursts of colour in low shrubbery, or as early-flowering plants in pots and flower boxes.
A charming detail of crocuses that mustn't go unmentioned is that as soon as they bloom they respond to light. As a result, on sunny days the flowers open, but on overcast days they stay closed.
Keep in mind that birds have a taste for crocuses, especially the yellow varieties and especially after winter. At this time of year birds often have a vitamin C deficiency and they rectify this by eating the yellow crocus, which is rich in the vitamin. You will find that white, purple or mixed-coloured varieties will usually be left undisturbed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
Subscribe now to receive our newsletter full of garden tips, advice and offers!
Subscribe
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|