Crocus corsicus or Corsican Crocus
Collectors of Snowdrops are named Galanthophiles so should crocus lover be called Iridiaphiles. Perhaps there are already Iridiaphile clubs collecting the numerous Crocus species including the Corsican Crocus shown above. Wikipedia list 80 plus species.
Gardeners Tips for Corsican Crocus
- I like the idea of growing crocus in pots in the alpine house so it is easier to inspect the blooms but they ‘go over’ quicker and the water control needs to be spot on. This pot is stood on an inverted pot to get more height on the bench.
- Corsican crocus are best in a rockery not being robust enough to grow through grass.
- A sandy well drained soil even in an exposed site should be fine.
- Outdoors they go on flowering for longer than many spring crocus.
- In early spring is a delight to see the striped buds poking up followed a few days later by the open buds showing a contrast of purples and lilacs plus the sepals, styles and anthers in orange and yellow. .