In the language of flowers the Crocus stands for cheerfulness!

I think this has a wonderful meaning; can you not help but smile when you see their stunning display? I can’t.

I was looking for some new areas to find the crocus treat last year. Matt (my husband) came back one day from work and took me for a surprise trip to Kinson in Bournemouth. I must admit, I wondered why Kinson was the place to be that particular day, but I was told to shut my eyes as we came to a gradual stop in the car. All of a sudden he said ‘open your eyes’ and there before me was a purely blissful sight to see. It was like a sweetshop for crocuses, in shades of lilac, blue, yellow and white.  These beautiful flowers were planted in their hundreds around a couple of trees in a urban area. I don’t know if they were planted by the council gardeners, or if a gardener planted it as a surprise for their neighbours, for whatever reason it was gorgeous and I can’t wait to make a return visit.

Here is some information about the crocus

Crocus – plural Crocuses or Croci is a perennial flowering plant

They grow in Europe, North Africa, Asia.

There are more than 100 species!

There are three types of Crocus – Early spring, late spring and autumn flowering

Early spring flowering Crocus flowers from February and March.

Late spring flowering Crocus flowers from March to April (these tend to be Dutch Crocuses.)

This variety tends to be larger than the early spring and autumn varieties.

Autumn Flowering Crocus called the Colchicum is also referred to as Meadow Saffron, but don’t try adding this to your cooking as it is poisonous, just admire their beauty. These flower from September through to November and quite easy to grow.

There is a wonderful display of colours found in the Crocus family. Like the Snowdrop and Bluebell they are beautiful singly, but are also amazing in large numbers grouped together.

Crocuses are wonderful planted under and around trees, lawns, borders and in containers. When you visit the garden centre around spring time, you will often see lovely displays of this lovely flower grouped together with other spring bulbs such as daffodils.

You may have also spotted in various shops gift sets including this pretty flower; you can grow them inside for a little colour too – this could be an idea for a Christmas gift!

If you want to create a natural look when planting your crocuses, gardeners often advise that you drop them carefully onto the area you wish to plant them, and plant the bulbs where they land for a less formal look.

The good news is that the Crocus doesn’t usually fall foul to disease, but they are a tasty treat for squirrels and rabbits! If squirrels and / or rabbits are nibbling your crocus bulbs, try planting the bulbs deeper in the soil.

If you want to know what the weather will be like, you can usually spot the signs displayed by your flowers. On a bright sunny day you will see the crocus shining brightly for all to see. When it is a wet dull day, they tend to close their bowl shaped petals.

To see some lovely samples of crocuses that you can buy, then please visit  - Rare Plants

Where to see the Crocus?

• Most towns will have an area for the popular crocus, so ask around and see if someone can share their favourite places to go.
• As with snowdrops, old church grounds are often a good place to see Crocuses
• Broadleigh Gardens in Somerset
• The Garden House in Devon
• Kew Gardens in Surrey. (Have a look and see their amazing crocus carpet)
• Any of the RHS Gardens are a good place to visit. Wisley again has the national collection, and is a must visit garden!
• National Trust Gardens such as Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire

Why not help raise money for the Breakthrough Cancer Charity, by participating in, or organising a crocus walk. For more details please see Crocus walk

Where is your favourite place to admire crocuses?

If you love crocuses we have a crocus greeting card and crocus totebag in our online shop.

We also have a crocus print available as a mounted, framed or canvas print.