Mystery Criocus.

We have a number of plant pots round the back door.  One of them has Croci growing in it.  I know because we planted them and they are the usual large purple ones you see all over the place.

Another plant pot contains an Eryngium (relation of the sea holly) and no Croci.  Well it shouldn't contain any, garden cetres aren't in the habit of supplying free extra plants in the pot and we certainly haven't planted any.  So it was with some surprise that I noticed analmost ready to open Crocus growing in the Eryngium pot.

I find it rather a beauty, not as large as the purple hybrids you see and more delicate.  As you can see alternate petals have differing patterns.  One set are light purple with a light edge the others light almost white with darker purple veins.  Beautiful but a real puzzle.