Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus White - Spring crocus

The Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus 'White' is a very rare white form of spring crocus. It is a small bulbous plant with early spring flowering that brightens up the garden as soon as the first beautiful days arrive. Its small white cup-shaped flowers are enhanced by yellow styles. Hardy, prolific, and long-lasting, this crocus quickly naturalizes in the short grass meadow and rock garden.

Crocus vernus, the spring crocus, is a perennial plant with a corm from the Iridaceae family. Its subspecies albiflorus grows in meadows in central and Western Europe, often on moderately dry soils, at high altitudes. This white-flowered form forms a small clump of dark green linear leaves with a white-silver median. This foliage emerges from the ground at the same time or just after the flowering, which takes place in March-April, for 2 to 3 weeks. These are solitary flowers that rise 10-12 cm above the ground. They close at night and in bad weather to open wide in the sun, revealing yellow stamens. The foliage disappears in late spring or early summer. The bulb then goes into dormancy until the following spring.

Spring crocuses are the first smiles of spring. The Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus 'White' is a collector's variety that is as easy to grow as the 'Mammoth' varieties. Its flowering follows that of the Crocus chrysanthus 'Zenith' with which it can be mixed, for example. When planted in large groups, it forms a white constellation in lawns, along pathways, and between rocks in rock gardens. It also grows very well in pots or containers, to brighten up balconies. Crocuses prefer to stay in place where they easily spread and expand year after year. It is important not to remove the leaves before they have withered, as they are how the bulb replenishes its reserves after flowering. There are also autumn crocuses, such as saffron or colchicums, which are equally charming.