CROCUS 'PICKWICK'

Crocus 'Pickwick'

Crocus vernus 'Pickwick' is arguably one of the best of the old Dutch flowering crocus cultivars and produces some of the largest blooms. Perfectly hardy and happy to grow in a wide rage of soil types, it is one of the later flowering cultivars, coming into bloom between March and April depending on the severity of the winter. It has comparatively large, delicate white flowers, veined with deep purple which gives it an overall bluish hue. The grass-like, dark green leaves are strongly contrasted by a white central stripe along the leaf axis.

Growing up to 5 inches tall. Crocus vernus 'Pickwick' is an ideal bulb to naturalise in grass where its large blooms make for a particularly attractive display. Leave the grass uncut for six weeks after flowering to encourage self-seeding. The bulbs will be available for purchase as pre-packed bulbs in the autumn.

Plant them as soon as they are available 3 to 4 inches deep in a sunny position. Crocus vernus 'Pickwick' can tolerate surprisingly poor soils as long as it is well drained. Pot-grown plants are usually available in the spring if you missed out on the opportunity to buy pre-packed bulbs although this will be a more expensive option.

Despite is Dutch association, the original species Crocus vernus is actually native to the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, along to the Carpathians, in particularly the Alps.

For related articles click onto the following links:
BBC: Crocus 'Pickwick'
CROCUS 'ORANGE MONARCH'
HOW TO GROW BULBS
HOW TO GROW CROCUS
WHAT IS SAFFRON?

WHERE DO CROCUSES LIKE TO GROW?