This autumn-flowering crocus is native in the Pyrenees, from SW France into Spain, but is now naturalized in the UK. In the wild, it occurs along alpine meadows and pastures, at elevations up to 2000m. Solitary flowers arise from a corm. The blossoms are goblet-shaped with a long tube. The colour ranges from deep purple to lilac-purple. The typical crocus leaves appear in spring. Unlike most autumn-flowering crocus, this species prefers to stay moist year-round.
Mid-September to mid-October
This crocus prefers evenly moist, organically-rich soil in sun or part-shade. It is a good companion plant for Erythronium, Corydalis and Trillium. It is hardy to zone 5.
Established plant often reproduce naturally by seed. However, this species also produces subterranean stolons so can cover a good area in a short period.