They require well-drained soil and sunshine. Botanically named Ipheion, this is a bulb of sunny lawns. Allowed to naturalize at the edge or within the lawn, they create a starry carpet of flowers above grassy leaves. Plants rise about 5 inches and bloom in early spring. Set bulbs about 3 inches deep.
Some blooms are white, some a pale purplish-blue.
They spread vigorously. Early crocuses bloom in January and February, usually in clusters of white, violet, lilac or yellow flowers. Dutch hybrid crocuses usually bloom in March and bear larger flowers of bright yellow, vivid purples or golden yellows. Some hybrids are striped. Plant crocuses 3 to 4 inches deep in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.