Crocuses: A Complete Guide to the Genus

Winsome charming and brilliant are just three of the adjectives that crocuses typically elicit from grateful color-starved gardeners. Indeed few flowers can rival crocuses for the cheer they bring to the barren late-winter garden and for the affection in which they are held by millions of gardeners. But though theyre viewed as an icon of early spring crocuses arent just one-season wonders: there are also dozens of striking autumn-blooming species that appear just when theyre most needed as summers flowers wind down. And because many species originate in the Mediterranean basin theyre ideal for gardens in which summer irrigation has been reduced or eliminated. In this comprehensive up-to-date volume bulb expert Janis Rukans surveys all the known species in this remarkable genus including those that have been discovered since the appearance of Brian Mathews 1982 monograph. A seasoned plant explorer Rukans has observed many species in the wild and so is able to offer valuable insights into how they may best be grown. He also discusses their use in the garden their botanical characteristics and classificationall in nonspecialist language so that even readers without a botanical background can profit by his knowledge and broad experience. Illustrated with 300 stunning photographs this book will be indispensable for all those with a serious interest in crocuses from collectors and bulb enthusiasts to nursery professionals and garden designers.