Crocus: Crocus imperati

description for "Crocus: Crocus imperati"

Italian Crocus imperati is a fascinating plant. The colors of this crocus dramatically change from bud to flower; the buds are buff-yellow, feathered with reddish-violet, but they open to reveal an interior of mineral-violet tinged rose; large, vase-like flowers. Look to the species crocuses for a bit of daring and adventure. After all, these crocuses hail from homelands that include Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Asia Minor and China. The flowers of the species are miniature when compared to their Dutch cousins, but the species definitely hold the upper hand when it comes to color, especially the bicolored species which are exotically feathered or dusted with a secondary hue. Easily grown and free-flowering, spring flowering species crocuses will increase their kind from year to year. Don't forget to pot a few corms to force into early bloom in your home over winter. It's a way to preview your treasure trove weeks before the corms bloom outdoors, just about the time the snow melts. --edited by dtd siegelgirl

History:

From Southern Italy.