Crocus vernus Hill. subsp. vernus
Spring- to early summer-flowering crocus with grass-like foliage, producing solitary flowers in white or shades of lilac or purple. A purple-striped crocus is consistent with C. vernus. To 12cm. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Victorian gardeners had access to many forms of Crocus vernus: ‘The lowland forms, plentiful throughout Italy, are as vigorous as possible, and are responsible for the great garden crocuses which loom so large in every catalogue of florists’ bulbs.’ [Grey]. Two forms of Crocus vernus are figured in the Botanical Register, leucorhyncus and pictus [BR f.1416/1831, BR f.1440/1831] and Flore des Serres figured Crocus vernus ssp. vernus. [FS f.1310/1858]. BM t.45/1786.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [B.101/1843]. Although Macarthur had difficulty growing crocus he persisted with his attempts to introduce them, requesting purple, striped and white varieties from Mr. Abbott of Hobart on 16th June 1846. [MP A2933-2 p.159].
Notes
Published Oct 18, 2009 - 04:26 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 11:48 AM
Crocus vernus Hill. ssp. vernus | BR f.1440/1831 var. pictus | BHL
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern and eastern Europe |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Dutch crocus |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Crocus Vernus purple stripe |
| Confidence level | high |
