Crocus pulchellus

Crocus pulchellus, sometimes nicknamed Hairy Crocus or Constantinople Crocus, is a beautiful botanical species that flowers in autumn and is easy to grow in well-drained soil. This small bulbous plant produces light lilac-blue flowers that reveal delicate purple veins when held up to the light. In the centre of the corolla, a yellow throat welcomes a decorative orange style. They emerge from the ground at the end of the season, with the drop in temperature and the return of rain, before the appearance of foliage. Plant these small bulbs in a rock garden, at the edge of a flower bed, at the base of deciduous trees, or in a lawn. They can also be grown in pots, allowing for a closer admiration of their delicate flowers.

Crocus pulchellus belongs to the Iridaceae family, like all crocuses. This species, closely related to C. speciosus, has a more solid floral tube, which prevents the flower from bending too much in the rain. It is naturally found from the north of the Balkan Peninsula to the northwest of Turkey, passing through Mount Athos in northern Greece. In nature, this crocus grows in meadows, undergrowth, or sparsely populated scrubland. It has been awarded by the RHS in England for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. Therefore, one can assume that its cultivation is not a matter for specialists!

In cultivation, Crocus pulchellus flowers in September-October, depending on the climate. Each bulb produces a 10cm (4in) tall flower that emerges from the ground before the leaves develop. The flowers, in the shape of an elongated cup, are composed of 6 petals finely veined in purple on a blue mauve background. They open to reveal a small yellow throat. The centre of the flower is dominated by an orange style divided into filaments. This style is supported by a column of white anthers and villous filaments. The flowers close at night and in bad weather, only to open widely in the sun. The foliage emerges from the ground after flowering, persists in winter, and dries up in early spring. It consists of fine linear leaves that are single and alternate. They are medium green with a pronounced central vein. The 'bulbs' are corms. In plant morphology, a corm is an underground storage organ that resembles a bulb but is actually a thickened stem surrounded by a fibrous tunic.

The flowering of Crocus pulchellus is a pleasant surprise in early autumn. It can be planted in rock gardens, lawns, in the sun, or even in the shade of deciduous shrubs and trees. It will thrive and naturalise in any well-drained soil, even if slightly moist in summer. Combine autumn crocuses with their spring cousins to enjoy multiple blooms throughout the year. Some ideas for combinations include Anemone blanda, botanical narcissus, cyclamen, and other small spring bulbs such as tulips and botanical narcissus. In the middle of the lawn, opt for grape hyacinths and violets.

Crocus roots can contract like a spring, allowing the plant to settle at its ideal depth.