Bulbocodium vernum

Bulbocodium vernum, also known as Spring Meadow Saffron, is a small bulbous plant native to alpine and Pyrenean meadows where it often grows in large colonies, up to 2000m (6562ft) altitude.  Its pink-purple flower, which resembles that of a colchicum, brings life to rockeries and flower beds from the end of February in lowland areas to the melting of snow in April at higher altitudes. Particularly at home in alpine gardens, this Bulbocodium appreciates well-drained, calcareous soils that are cool in spring but drier in summer.

Bulbocodium vernum is a plant of the Colchidaceae family found in meadows in the eastern Pyrenees and western Alps, especially in the Swiss Valais, and as far north as the Caucasus in Hungary. This plant grows from a dark corm, which is a storage organ. Flowering occurs from February to April depending on the climate and lasts about 3 weeks, before the appearance of foliage. Each corm produces 1 to 3 cup-shaped flowers that emerge directly from the ground. Each flower is composed of 6 petals in pink-lilac colour, initially erect, which then open into a star shape around 6 bright yellow stamens with anthers. The foliage, which emerges after flowering, measures 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6in) in height. It consists of 2 to 3 linear, ribbon-like leaves, slightly folded along the central vein, and dark green in colour. The fruit is a ground-level capsule that releases its seeds in early summer. The summer season corresponds to the bulb's resting period: the foliage is deciduous in summer.

The spring Bulbocodium, with its purple flowers, allows for colour variation in rockeries in spring, and pairs perfectly with early-blooming botanical crocuses or their larger-flowered counterparts. It can also be accompanied by small botanical tulips, white narcissus, Greek anemones, asphodels, or pasque flowers (Pulsatilla vulgaris). All these plants appreciate the same growing conditions: a sunny exposure and well-drained soil.