Crocus

Crocus vernus Pickwick

• Position: full sun
• Soil: gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: February and March
• Flower colour: white and violet stripes
• Other features: slender, strap-shaped, mid-green leaves
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A delightful larger sized crocus which is tougher than the smaller, species types. This means it can be grown in wilder areas of grass and is usually more resistant to being eaten by the squirrels. They also tend to flower slightly later that their smaller relatives. This variety has striped white and violet flowers which form big bowls in late winter and spring. The petals have a light fringe to the edges giving them a slight ruffled effect. Always worth including in the garden, crocuses signal that spring is just around the corner. Plant these in a sunny spot where they will quickly form large clumps.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant bulbs in tight clusters to form naturalistic drifts 10cm deep where they can be left undisturbed for several years. If you are growing these in grass, avoid mowing it until the leaves have completely died back.