Enjoy spring crocuses

Crocuses bring colour to spring and can be planted in lawns, borders, under trees or in containers. Camilla Phelps offers her selection of the best for all options

- Camilla Phelps

WHEN the first crocuses appear you know that spring is just around the corner, so why not plant some now, as winter looms, to give yourself something to look forward to?

We can always make room for crocuses – they are great for planting in lawns, borders, under trees and shrubs or in containers, and they are guaranteed to bring a burst of welcome colour at the end of winter. The earliest flowering crocuses come into bloom from February onwards, making both the perfect accompaniment and successor for other early flowers such as snowdrops, daffodils and anemones. They will also naturalise once planted in the ground and you can watch your crocus collection multiply and spread with each year.

Many species and cultivars

Crocuses grow from corms, rather than bulbs – the main difference being that they don’t have scaly layers and fleshy leaves. The grass-like foliage of crocuses has an attractive signature silver stripe up the centre and these leaves remain after the flowers have faded to capture energy for the next growing season.

There are many species and cultivars to choose from that originate from a wide geographical area, but most crocuses require well-drained soil and sunlight – Avon bulbs recommends at least half a day in full sun. A few, such as the Tuscan varieties, are better for damp soil and can cope with some shade.

Crocus colours