Crocus laevigatus Fontenayi

The Crocus laevigatus Fontenayi is distinguished by its late, autumn to winter flowering. Native to Mediterranean regions, particularly Greece and Crete, this small bulbous plant produces white or pale lilac flowers with a yellow throat and a buff exterior adorned with purple-violet stripes. Well-suited to rock or Mediterranean gardens, it can also be grown in pots in less favourable climates. Not very hardy (-10°C), this crocus dislikes wet soil, both in winter and summer.

The Crocus laevigatus 'Fontenayi' is a plant from the Iridaceae family. Known by the common names 'Crocus of Fontenay' or 'Smooth Crocus', this selection is prized for its late flowering which occurs in late autumn or early winter, often around Christmas time, earning it the nickname 'Christmas Crocus'. This variety, also named Crocus fontenayi Reuters, is closely related to the type species C. laevigatus which grows wild in Greece (including the Aegean islands), in various habitats ranging from rock crevices to open pine forests.
Ulike other crocuses, the Crocus laevigatus 'Fontenayi' develops smooth and elongated bulbs resembling a small hazelnut, which is the origin of its specific name 'laevigatus' meaning smooth or polished. This cultivar differs from the species type by its larger and well-rounded flowers and its more contrasting colouration between the purple-lilac interior and the buff exterior, striated with dark violet stripes. The plant's habit is bushy and compact, its growth relatively slowl. It reaches a height of 5 to 10 cm and forms colonies over the years thanks to the production of new bulbs. The cup-shaped flowers measure 5 to 7 cm tall. They are more or less fragrant and attract the last pollinators of the season. The narrow, green, linear leaves with a fine central white band persist for a few weeks after flowering until they yellow and wither naturally, allowing the bulbs to replenish their reserves for the next season. The foliage disappears completely during the dormancy period, until late summer.

In mild climates, particularly Mediterranean types, the Crocus laevigatus 'Fontenayi' is a carefree, attractive, ideal plant for brightening the garden at a time of year when it is less colourful. Plant it in groups in rockeries or at the edge of a well-drained border, even at the foot of large deciduous trees. It also thrives in pots on the patio or balcony, which enables it to be sheltered from cold and damp depending on the season. In the garden, pair it for example with a Pink Naples Cyclamen and the Corsican Hellebore Helleborus argutifolius. Do not hesitate to mix it with other autumn crocuses and colchicums.