Unusual, two-toned Crocus chrysanthus ‘Advance’ features petals in complimentary tones of creamy-yellow with lilac-mauve shading, beautifully ignited by glowing orange stamens.
The pretty, goblet-shaped blooms create a striking effect when grown as a swathe of rich colour running through open grassy areas and a colourful sweep near the front of spring borders.
A wonderful harbinger of spring, Crocus are often one of the first flowers to bloom during February and March. These delicate bulbs also make a great addition to pots and containers – plant them as a lower storey to Tulips, Hyacinths and Narcissi.
Corms should be planted about 8cm (3”) deep in any good fertile garden soil. The winter and spring-flowering species are well suited to the rock garden or the front of borders, and the later Dutch varieties for groups, edging borders or naturalising.
For the best results, plant 8-10cm (3-4”) deep, 5cm (2”) apart, and leave undisturbed. Croci are suitable for a pot or bowl culture, with the exception of large-flowered Yellow Crocus, and may also be grown in pebbles and water. It is important to remember that they must not be forced too hard, as too much heat or dryness in the atmosphere will lead to excess of leaf and no flower.