Crocus chrysanthus 'Skyline' is an unusual and beautifully marked early-flowering crocus, producing delicate blooms in shades of blue, violet and white. The inner petals are lobelia blue, gradually changing to white, while the outer petals are wisteria blue with distinctive violet feathering. Each flower has slightly different shading, giving a planted group plenty of character.

Introduced in 1972, 'Skyline' was selected from seedlings produced by crossing Crocus chrysanthus 'Blue Bird' with Crocus chrysanthus 'Jester'. Growing just 5-10cm tall, it is a compact spring bulb that looks excellent in rockeries, borders, containers and naturalised displays.

• Botanical name: Crocus chrysanthus 'Skyline'
• Flower colour: blue, violet and white
• Flowering time: January to March
• Height: 5-10cm (2-4in)
• Position: full sun or light shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: borders, rockeries, containers and naturalising

About Crocus 'Skyline'

'Skyline' belongs to the smaller-flowered group of Crocus chrysanthus hybrids. Although their flowers are more compact than the familiar large Dutch crocuses, these varieties make up for their smaller stature with a wonderful range of colours, markings and combinations.

'Skyline' is a particularly attractive example. Its cool blue colouring is complemented by a paler centre, while fine violet feathering decorates the outside of the petals. When the flowers remain partially closed, these darker markings are especially prominent; as they open in sunshine, the paler interior is revealed.

An Interesting Crocus Introduced in 1972

Crocus 'Skyline' was introduced in 1972 and originated as a seedling from a cross between 'Blue Bird' and 'Jester'. The resulting cultivar combines attractive characteristics from its parentage to produce a distinctive blue-flowered crocus with intricate markings.

Its combination of lobelia blue, wisteria blue, violet and white gives 'Skyline' a softer appearance than many of the stronger purple crocuses. It works particularly well alongside white, yellow and deeper violet varieties.

Early Colour for the Spring Garden

Flowering between January and March, depending on local conditions, 'Skyline' is one of the bulbs that can begin bringing colour to the garden while winter is still giving way to spring. Its compact growth makes it particularly useful towards the front of borders and in areas where the flowers can be viewed closely.

Plant the corms in groups for the best display. A generous drift allows the subtle differences between the inner and outer petals to become much more noticeable than when individual corms are planted separately.

Growing Crocus 'Skyline' in the UK

Plant the corms during autumn in fertile, well-drained soil. A sunny position encourages the flowers to open fully, although light shade is also suitable. Areas beneath deciduous trees and shrubs can work particularly well because they receive plenty of light while the crocuses are actively growing.

Avoid planting in persistently waterlogged ground, as good drainage is important while the corms are dormant. In heavier soils, improving the planting area with grit or other free-draining material can help.

Perfect for Pots and Rockeries

At only 5-10cm tall, Crocus 'Skyline' is an excellent choice for rockeries, alpine beds, raised beds and containers. Its intricate colouring rewards close inspection, so planting near a path, doorway or patio is particularly effective.

For containers, plant several corms together in free-draining compost. 'Skyline' can be grown on its own or combined with other miniature spring bulbs to create a succession of early colour.

Naturalising Crocus 'Skyline'

Crocuses are particularly attractive when allowed to naturalise, gradually creating informal groups that return each spring. 'Skyline' can be planted beneath deciduous trees, through suitable areas of short grass or around the edges of borders.

After flowering, leave the narrow foliage in place until it has yellowed and died back naturally. The leaves continue feeding the corm after the flowers have finished and removing them too early can reduce the following year's display.

Why Grow Crocus chrysanthus 'Skyline'?

• Unusual blue, violet and white flowers
• Beautiful feathered markings on the outer petals
• Early flowering from January to March
• Compact growth of just 5-10cm
• Introduced in 1972 from 'Blue Bird' × 'Jester'
• Ideal for rockeries, containers and border edges
• Excellent planted in groups and naturalised displays
• Easy to combine with other early spring bulbs

With its intricate feathering and unusual combination of cool blue, violet and white, Crocus chrysanthus 'Skyline' is a lovely choice for adding detail and colour to the garden at the very beginning of the growing season.