Colourful crocus to bloom
Margaret Griffin
Autumn crocus bulbs add loads of colour when much of the garden is getting ready for its long winter nap.
Of course, when growing autumn crocus’ in the garden, you look forward to the colourful blooms that initially spring from the earth without any accompanying foliage. The foliage does not appear until the following spring, at which time three-eight one foot leaves appear and remain until early summer. In September, the autumn crocus emerges from its hibernation to bloom once again in a profusion of clustering flowers.
The autumn crocus develops from a corm, which should be planted now two to four inches under the surface of the soil. The flowers of the autumn crocus tend to be delicate and should be protected, so situate them under low growing plants or even amid the lawn. Autumn crocus’ grows in a wide array of sites, from full sun to partial shade.
Once planted, there is very little required as far as autumn crocus care. While they may need some water during arid conditions, they’re basically maintenance free.
If your autumn crocus is planted among the grass, allow the foliage to die back before mowing.
Saffron crocus
This beautiful autumn-blooming Saffron crocus (sativus) is, as its name suggests, the flower from which we gather saffron. The lilac-purple flowers produce vibrant red stigmas, which have been used for flavouring and colouring dishes since Roman times. Our growing instructions explain how easy it is to harvest the saffron, but it’s not vital you do so - you may just wish to enjoy the lovely autumn flowers! They will thrive in a well-drained border, or in a container on the patio. Plus they’re super-hardy (tolerant of summer heat and winter cold) and multiply rapidly from year to year.
Crocus waterlily
Waterlily is a standout variety, sporting foliage in spring and early summer followed by blooms in autumn.
The flowers are soft lavender-pink, arising in groups up to half a dozen on low-growing plants. Long-lasting and dependable, they are an excellent source of carefree colour for the border and woodland garden.
Plant of the week for the bees
We have just got a large delivery of wonderful hebes. This range of hebes are evergreen plants that will display dazzling blooms until late autumn.
Hebe is also known as the shrubby veronica. Butterflies and bees adore hebe because of its nectar-rich flowers. Hebe has a long flowering period, right up until the first frosts, so you can extend that wonderful summery feel until the last days of sunshine. Add a bright splash of colour to the patio in a beautiful pot or as a shrub gracing one of the borders in your garden. The huge diversity of varieties, sizes and colours make hebe a magnificent addition to jazz up your garden.
Contact the design team at Griffins if you would like advise on all your spring and autumn flowering bulbs by emailing info@Griffinsgradencentre.ie. Griffins annual cycle for charity is in aid of Cork Simon and One Man’s Ethiopia is taking place soon. Visit griffinsgardencentre.ie for info.