Crocus longiflorus
| Flowering Time |
Autumn |
|
Distribution |
SW Italy; Malta; Sicily |
|
Native Climate |
Mediterranean |
|
Wild Habitat |
Stony places in dryish grassland, usually over limestone at up to 1900m |
|
Distinctive Features |
Flower lilac/purple. Style three orange/red branches Corm tunic fibrous, somewhat netted. Strong honey scent |
|
Closest Relatives |
|
|
Cultivation Requirements |
Sunny position. Tolerant of some summer moisture (Can be grown successfully outside in UK gardens) |
|
Availability |
Specialist bulb suppliers and seed lists |
A very attractive flower, which attracts many pollinators as a result of its strong scent. Seed is readily set in cultivation and is a good method for raising new corms. A variable plant with flowers usually shades of lilac but occasionally white, petals can be attractively marked or plain coloured. The throat is golden yellow and the red style branches are a striking feature. Several different forms are illustrated below.
