Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii

Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii is a rarely cultivated botanical species with autumn flowering, which easily naturalises in any well-drained soil. This small bulbous plant produces a cup-shaped flower in a bright purple colour adorned with a yellow-orange pistil. Very hardy, it brings a splash of colour to the garden just before winter, much like colchicum and saffron. This crocus thrives in a sunny meadow or rock garden.

Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii belongs to the Iridaceae family. Spain and North Africa are the native habitats of this plant, which can be found in lean pastures, mountain meadows, clearings in pine forests, or at the edges of oak forests. Its natural habitat corresponds to slightly dry and sometimes rocky environments. The subspecies salzmannii is distinguished from other C. serotinus by its bulbs: they have a membranous tunic that splits into parallel fibres. This plant prefers to rest in dry soil in summer. Flowering occurs in October or early November, depending on the climate, and sometimes as early as September. The bulb produces one or two flowers with 6 mauve petals finely veined with violet, measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, carried by a white tube. The centre is occupied by stamens and a cut yellow-orange style. The flowers close at night and in bad weather, but open wide in the sun and even in partial shade. The foliage develops just after flowering, persists in winter, and disappears in early spring. The bulb produces 4 to 7 thin and long glossy dark green linear leaves. The 'bulbs' here are corms. A corm is, in plant morphology, an underground storage organ that looks like a bulb but is formed by a swollen stem surrounded by a tunic.

Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii looks wonderful in a lawn where it multiplies year after year. It will also thrive at the edge of a light woodland or between the stones of a rock garden. It can be planted along a hedge, or at the base of deciduous trees such as lilacs, mock oranges, or viburnums, for example. Combine autumn crocuses with their spring cousins to enjoy multiple flowering seasons. Some ideas for combinations: with Anemone blanda, botanical narcissus, and cyclamen. In the middle of the lawn, opt for grape hyacinth and violets. This crocus is also suitable for planting in outdoor pots.