Crocus to identify? Post them here....

[tonyg]

Does anybody know if C. niveus can cross with C. goulimyi (or C. longiflorus)?

I would be doubtful, certainly I have not encountered such crosses.  I raise a lot of crocus from my own seed.  I do not make deliberate crosses but the bees certainly pass the pollen around between many different taxa.  I get intermediate forms between C goulimyi goulimyi and C goulimyi lecanthus (if you accept them as truly different taxa at all!) and between different forms of other crocuses.  I suspect that some of the C cartwrightianus I have raised are crossed with C oreocreticus or perhaps C hadriaticus but these are much more closely related taxa.  My raisings of C niveus and C longiflorus show no sign of crossing with other taxa at all.
So going back to your question, never say never but I doubt it!

[Janis Ruksans]

Does anybody know if C. niveus can cross with C. goulimyi (or C. longiflorus)?

I don't think.
Janis

[Armin]

Thanks Tony & Janis.
I got inspired to ask after having looked at Mark's lovely blue C. niveus which is extraordinary dark blue and has an unusual short style...

[alpinelover]

This is Crocus 'Vanguard', it's a classic one, i know. But is this correct, this is the product between Crocus tommasinianus and Crocus vernus?

[Armin]

Hello Frankie,

to my knowledge 'Vanguard' is a selection from Van Tubergen from C. vernus ssp. vernus.
But other sources say it is likely a hybrid with C. tommasinianus.

As with many other old cultivars the documentation available is quite poor, often contrary which makes it difficult to judge.

Anyway it is a nice cultivar worth to keep. Btw does your 'Vanguard' set regular seed?

[alpinelover]

Thanks Armin for the information. No seed at all from this 'Vanguard'.

[Lvandelft]

This is Crocus 'Vanguard', it's a classic one, i know. But is this correct, this is the product between Crocus tommasinianus and Crocus vernus?

Just found your question here Frankie.
You might have a look here
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=1331.msg36122#msg36122

On these pages you will find many more bulbs which are mostly right to name.

And if you have the time, then have a look at Reply 57 of this same thread and you will find out how I came to the text in my avatar

[Armin]

Thanks Armin for the information. No seed at all from this 'Vanguard'.

Frankie,
that is in line with my observation, too.  Vanguard only set sporadically seed. Not sure they are viable and come true.

Luit,
one of of your master treats! Always a source of enlightment.

[Melvyn Jope]

I would appreciate some help in identifying these Crocus from Northern Greece. The first photo, NGCrocus1, was taken yesterday and then NGCrocus2 was taken today showing the smaller bud in flower.
NGCrocus3 is another species photographed today.

[tonyg]

NG1 - need to see corm tunic or inside flower.  Favour C chrysanthus from the prominent papery bract.
NG2 - Typical C flavus anthers and style.
NG3 - Looks like C chrysanthus from the anthers, style and petal shape.

My first C chrysanthus will open on the next mild day - will post a comparison pic then.  They are raised from N Greece seed.

[Melvyn Jope]

Many thanks for your help Tony.With both species there is quite a variation in the depth of colour, I look forward to seeing a photo of your plants.

[shelagh]

Can anyone help me with this lovely clump from the garden (not taken this year) I'm afraid the blackbirds have been redistributing the labels again.

[Armin]

Shelagh,

your crocus includes some C. vernus genes. They are either a form of C. vernus or a hybrid with C. tommasinianus (i.e. 'dark stem' version 'Whitewell Purple' or 'Ruby Giant').
Does they set seed?

[alpinelover]

Yes, it could be C. 'Ruby Giant'. These are photos of last year, they normally bloom in march and they never set seed.

[Armin]

Frankie,
yes C. tommasinianus 'Ruby Giant' never sets seed - it is a sterile clone.

Most DSCs have some troubles to reproduce the true color especial when photographed in sunshine which is more dark violet with a lighter base inside.