A Pink Crocus?

Not unless you use the common name for Romulea which is 'Sand Crocus.' This is Romulea atranda, a South African species, the only one from there to survive the harsh winters of 2011/2012 here. Easily raised from seed, I now have enough to try it in the open garden. The outside of the petals is gold, heavily marked with very dark purple, a stunning contrast to the inner surface. I guess you either love or hate the shocking pink .... I surprise myself by liking it!

The most obvious difference between Romulea and Crocus? Romulea flowers are carried aloft on a green stem with the ovary just behind the flower, Crocus flowers have a floral tube, part of the flower. The true stem and ovary remains below ground until the seed ripens at the end of the growing season.