Rare

My crocus collection did not arise from an urge to grow all the rarities. I love the common ones just as much, enjoying the subtle variations within each species. However, I do grow a few rare ones and this is perhaps the rarest.

Crocus leichtlinii x kerndorffiorum also has one of the most unpronounceable names! This is a hybrid between two rare Crocuses (I do not grow either of the parents) both names after famous Germans. Max Leichtlin was a German nurseryman of the late 19th Century, who introduced some fine bulbous plants to cultivation. Helmut Kerndorff along with Erich Pasche (yes, there is a Crocus paschei) is responsible for discovering and researching new crocuses still being found today.

This hybrid which is close in appearance to Crocus leichtlinii is easy to grow and increases quite quickly. It has unusual greenish blue markings on the outside of the outer petals.

Thanks to all who commented on yesterdays Royal blip. Another letter may be heading back to Sandringham quite soon!