Crocus in southern France

[alpinelover]

On a trip, in april 2017, I have seen many crocusses in the region of Castellane, a delight to see!
It's not always obvious what kind of species you are dealing with.
I guess, most of the plants are C. versicolor, because of the yellow troath, which is typical for C. versicolor.

[alpinelover]

Some more.

[alpinelover]

And some other plants.

[alpinelover]

A little bit more.

[Maggi Young]

A delight  in their variations, Frankie!  A joy to see.

[alpinelover]

A delight  in their variations, Frankie!  A joy to see.

Yes it is, Maggi. The variation seems to be endless.

[alpinelover]

On another place, we saw a lot of Crocus vernus. Here some good forms.

[alpinelover]

Some more of them.

[alpinelover]

Some more colourforms.

[alpinelover]

C. vernus is quiet variable.

[Janis Ruksans]

A little bit more.

Yes, Crocus versicolor is one of most variable spring crocuses. Very long ago I got from Michael Hoog a handful of its seeds and as I remember (it was almost 30 years ago) there were not 2 identical and I made some selection. There were around 20 numbered clones selected, but very hard black frost killed many of them, only few remained and even those damaged and weakened. Now some 10 I restored and they are increasing, but now under protection in pots.

[alpinelover]

Yes, Crocus versicolor is one of most variable spring crocuses. Very long ago I got from Michael Hoog a handful of its seeds and as I remember (it was almost 30 years ago) there were not 2 identical and I made some selection. There were around 20 numbered clones selected, but very hard black frost killed many of them, only few remained and even those damaged and weakened. Now some 10 I restored and they are increasing, but now under protection in pots.

We saw many hundreds of them on that hill, and it was almost impossible to find two identical plants. Amazing!

For many years, I've got C. versicolor 'Picturatus' in the garden. But I've got the idea, the bulbs doesn't increase very well.

[alpinelover]

In that region -Castellane- you can find this two species, vernus and versicolor.
But what about the two other species : neapolitanus and neglectus? I guess, the don't grow there?
Neglectus only grows in Italy, but neapolitanus grows as well in Switzerland and Austria.

[alpinelover]

 Completely white forms of C. vernus.

[alpinelover]

Crocus vernus in lovely combination with Ranunculus kuepferi.