Description
(formerly Crocus vernus Michaels Purple)
In 2014 a wide geographical range of the Crocus vernus complex was studied. As a result there are some newly named species and the re-emergence of many old names, formerly and incorrectly lumped as synonyms under the very broad umbrella name of “Crocus vernus”. We now have the following species names :- heuffelianus, ilvensis, neapolitanus, neglectus, siculus and we still retain vernus as a valid name for some plants.
Many of the purple strains of the species have petals which fade to white or pale violet below the darker tip, however Michael’s Purple has strongly coloured purple flowers with an even darker tip.
A very fine garden plant, happy in a damp spot and tolerating light shade.
