Specialist crocus

Flowers are often more slender in outline than the garden types, opening flat to show off their stamens. Colours include white, yellow and lilacs.

These crocuses like to grow in a sunny position where soil drains freely and they can get a dry summer baking. Pot up using a potting compost with added grit.

These bulbs dislike wet soil, particularly when resting in summer. They also dislike shade. A few such as C. boryiand C. cartwrightianus are considered frost hardy (not fully hardy).

Several species have fragrant flowers. Container-grown plants can be brought into a well-lit but cool room in the house when in flower, to appreciate their scent.The Alpine Garden Society is a good place for information on this type of plant.RHS Garden Wisley has several Crocus collections for viewing in spring and autumn in its alpine house above the Rock Garden