Crocus karduchorum

Crocus karduchorum is a botanical species native to southeastern Turkey that blooms in early autumn. Rare in cultivation, it is considered relatively easy to grow when planted in well-drained, non-calcareous soil that dries out in summer. This species, often confused with C. kotschyanus, is characterised by light mauve-pink flowers with a white throat that have a very finely cut white style. It can be planted in a rockery, a gravel garden, a raised bed, or even in a lawn in a favourable climate. The hardiness of this crocus is not well-documented.

Crocus karduchorum belongs to the Iridaceae family, like all crocuses. This species is native to the Lake Van region, in the far east of Turkey, where it grows in rocky, acidic soils under oaks and in thickets. Lake Van is located on the Armenian Highland, which rises to an altitude of 1640m (5381ft). This species was named in 1859 and received the Award of Garden Merit from the RHS in 1928. As such, it can be assumed that its cultivation should not be a matter for specialists!

In cultivation, this crocus blooms in September-October. Each bulb produces a 10cm (4in) tall flower that emerges from the ground before the leaves develop. The elongated cup-shaped flowers have 6 petals, finely veined with purple on a lilac background. They open in a star shape, revealing a white throat. The flower's centre is dominated by a characteristic white style, divided into very fine filaments. This style is topped by a column of pale-yellow anthers. The flowers close at night and in bad weather, and open wide in the sun. The foliage emerges after flowering, persists in winter, and dries up in early spring. It consists of slender linear leaves, single and alternate, of medium green colour with a prominent central vein. The 'bulbs' here are corms covered by a parallel fibre tunic. 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 fibrous tunic.

Crocus karduchorum adds a welcome touch of colour in early autumn. It can be planted in rockeries and lawns in sunny areas. It will thrive and naturalise in well-drained, loamy or humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic. Combine autumn crocuses with their spring cousins to enjoy multiple flowering periods throughout the year. Some ideas for combinations: with Anemone blanda, botanical narcissus, cyclamen, and other small spring bulbs like tulips and botanical narcissus. In the middle of the lawn, opt for grape hyacinths and violets. 

Crocus roots can contract like a spring, allowing the plant to settle at its ideal depth.