Description
(Crocus sieberi nivalis).
The old subspecies of Crocus sieberi have now been revised and elevated to species rank, thus as well as C. sieberi (found only on the high mountains of Crete) we now have Crocus atticus, nivalis and sublimis.
This Greek mountain plant has violet-blue flowers with a small, deep yellow throat and in most flowers there is no white at all in evidence.
Crocus nivalis can be separated from its relatives atticus and sublimis (both also once thought of as sieberi subspecies) as it lacks any hairs in the throat. In addition it has a finely fibrous netted tunic. Unlike those two subspecies, nivalis (as the name implies) is a plant found near snow in the high mountains, where it blooms as the snow melts in spring.
It does well in the garden in a well-drained, sunny spot and is very tolerant of summer moisture.
