The gorgeous Crocus tommasinianus is, for many, the most welcome sight, showing its colour in the dark days of late winter; it is one of the earliest of the so-called spring bulbs to flower. The blooms on this small crocus—which reaches just 10cm or so high—can vary from reddish purple at their darkest, to pale slivery lilac at their lightest. Each flower has a delicate white base, and contrasting orange stamens. As so many flowers tend to be out at the same time, you will have a lovely carpet of warm shades in the cold days of late winter. The blooms will also be a magnet for whatever pollinating insects may be active this early in the year.

Crocus tommasinianus is one of the easiest crocuses to naturalise, as it will self-seed readily. It is ideal for lawns that have had a trim late in the autumn (enabling the flowers to be better seen), and it is perfectly at home on a rockery, or amongst dwarf grasses. It is also more tolerant of shade than many of its counterparts, so is a good choice for woodland areas.

Crocus tommasinianus is so highly regarded that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have given it the coveted Award of Garden Merit.