Crocus 'Flower Record' is a striking large-flowered crocus producing rich, deep purple blooms in early spring. The intensely coloured, goblet-shaped flowers stand above slender green foliage and open in the sunshine to reveal contrasting bright orange stigmas. Planted in groups, the strong purple colouring creates an impressive display during March.

Growing to around 13cm tall, 'Flower Record' is an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, containers and naturalising through lawns. It is particularly effective planted in generous drifts, where the corms can be left undisturbed to return each spring.

• Variety: Crocus 'Flower Record'
• Flower colour: deep purple
• Flowering time: March
• Height: approximately 13cm
• Position: full sun or light shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: lawns, borders, rockeries, containers and naturalising

About Crocus 'Flower Record'

'Flower Record' is a classic large-flowered crocus valued for its bold colouring and substantial spring blooms. Its flowers are a strong, saturated purple that makes an immediate impact in the garden, especially when several corms are planted together.

The petals form neat cups when partially closed before opening more widely in sunny weather. At the centre of each flower, vivid orange stigmas provide a beautiful contrast against the deep purple petals.

Large Deep Purple Flowers

The main attraction of Crocus 'Flower Record' is the size and colour of its flowers. Compared with many of the smaller early crocus hybrids, its substantial blooms provide a stronger visual impact and are ideal for creating bold patches of spring colour.

Purple combines particularly well with yellow and white spring bulbs. Try planting 'Flower Record' alongside golden crocuses, miniature narcissi or snowdrops to create a colourful early-season display.

Flowering in March

Crocus 'Flower Record' normally flowers during March, although the exact timing will vary according to local weather and growing conditions. The flowers emerge as temperatures begin to rise and provide colour before many herbaceous garden plants have started their spring growth.

Like other crocuses, the flowers respond to sunshine. They open most fully on bright days and close during dull weather and at night, helping to protect the reproductive parts of the flower.

Growing Crocus 'Flower Record' in the UK

Plant the corms in autumn in a position receiving full sun or light shade. A sunny location encourages the flowers to open fully, although planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs also works well because the plants receive plenty of light before the overhead canopy develops.

Crocuses prefer fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid permanently waterlogged ground, particularly during winter, as excessive moisture can damage the dormant corms.

Excellent for Naturalising

'Flower Record' is particularly well suited to naturalised planting. Its bold purple flowers are easy to see amongst grass and look excellent planted in informal drifts through lawns, beneath deciduous trees or along the edges of woodland-style planting.

For a natural appearance, scatter the corms over the chosen area and plant them where they fall rather than arranging them in straight rows. Planting plenty of corms from the beginning will create a much more impressive display.

Naturalising Crocuses in Lawns

When growing 'Flower Record' through grass, allow the foliage to complete its natural growth cycle before mowing. The slender leaves continue producing energy after the flowers have faded, replenishing the corms ready for the following spring.

Once the foliage has yellowed and died back naturally, the grass can be cut as normal. In suitable conditions the corms can remain undisturbed for many years and may gradually develop into larger groups.

Perfect for Borders and Rockeries

At around 13cm tall, Crocus 'Flower Record' is also ideal for the front of borders and rockeries. It can be planted between later-emerging perennials, providing an early burst of colour before neighbouring plants begin to fill the available space.

Its strong purple flowers work especially well against pale gravel, stone and other neutral backgrounds, where the rich colouring becomes even more noticeable.

Growing Crocus 'Flower Record' in Containers

'Flower Record' performs very well in pots, troughs and window boxes. Plant several corms together in good-quality, free-draining compost to create a concentrated display of purple flowers.

Containers can be placed near entrances, windows and patios where the early blooms can be appreciated at close range. The corms can also be included in layered bulb containers with later-flowering narcissi and tulips, creating a succession of flowers throughout spring.

Early Flowers for Pollinators

Crocuses can be useful early sources of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects. On mild, sunny days in March, their open flowers are easily accessible to insects emerging and beginning to forage after winter.

Planting 'Flower Record' alongside other early-flowering bulbs can help provide a succession of flowers during a period when food sources for pollinators may still be relatively limited.

After Flowering

Once the flowers have finished, leave the foliage in place until it has turned yellow and died back naturally. Avoid cutting or tying the green leaves, as they are still feeding the corm below ground.

Once established, 'Flower Record' requires very little maintenance. In suitable soil it can simply be left in place to reappear each spring.

Why Grow Crocus 'Flower Record'?

• Large, richly coloured deep purple flowers
• Bright orange centres provide excellent contrast
• Flowers during March
• Compact height of approximately 13cm<