Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring' is a beautiful early-flowering crocus producing rich celandine-yellow blooms with distinctive purple-brown feathering around the base of the outer petals. Appearing between January and March depending on the weather, it brings a welcome splash of warm colour to the garden at a time when relatively few other plants are in flower.

Growing to just 4-10cm tall, this compact crocus is perfect for rockeries, gravel gardens, border edges and containers. It is also an excellent choice for naturalising, where groups can gradually establish to create colourful early spring displays.

• Botanical name: Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring'
• Flower colour: celandine yellow
• Markings: purple feathering at the base
• Flowering time: January-March, depending on weather
• Height: 4-10cm
• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: rockeries, borders, containers and naturalising

About Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring'

'Kiss of Spring' is a particularly attractive form of Crocus korolkowii, valued for both its early flowering season and unusual markings. The flowers are a strong, clear yellow, opening in bright conditions to reveal a glowing display above the narrow green foliage.

The outer petals provide the most distinctive feature. Around their base is a contrasting flush of purple to purple-brown, often appearing as fine feathered markings that extend upwards into the yellow. When the flowers are closed, these markings are particularly noticeable and provide an attractive contrast to the otherwise golden blooms.

Early Colour from January to March

One of the main attractions of Crocus 'Kiss of Spring' is just how early it can flower. Depending on winter temperatures and local conditions, the first blooms may appear from January, with flowering continuing into March.

This makes it an excellent bulb for extending the season of interest in the garden. Plant it alongside snowdrops, winter aconites and other early crocuses to create a succession of colour through late winter and into early spring.

Growing Crocus 'Kiss of Spring' in the UK

Plant the corms in autumn in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Good drainage is especially important during winter, as the corms should not be left sitting in persistently wet ground. Rockeries, raised beds and gravel gardens can provide particularly suitable conditions.

For the strongest display, plant several corms together rather than spacing individual plants widely apart. Their compact height means they are best positioned towards the front of borders or somewhere they will not be hidden by larger plants.

Ideal for Rockeries and Containers

At only 4-10cm tall, Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring' is particularly well suited to rockeries and alpine-style planting. Its bright flowers stand out well against gravel and stone, while the compact foliage takes up very little space.

It also grows well in containers. Plant the corms in a free-draining compost and position the pot somewhere sunny. Several corms planted closely together will produce a much stronger display than a single specimen and can be combined with other small spring-flowering bulbs.

Naturalising Crocus 'Kiss of Spring'

'Kiss of Spring' is an excellent crocus for naturalising. Plant corms in informal groups beneath deciduous shrubs, around the edges of beds or in suitable areas of short grass where the soil drains freely.

After flowering, leave the foliage in place and allow it to die back naturally. Although the leaves may appear insignificant, they are essential for replenishing the corm and helping the plant build up enough energy for the following year's flowers.

Why Grow Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring'?

• Rich celandine-yellow flowers
• Distinctive purple feathering around the base
• Very early flowering from January to March
• Compact height of just 4-10cm
• Excellent for rockeries and gravel gardens
• Ideal for pots and containers
• Suitable for naturalising
• Provides valuable colour during late winter and early spring
• Looks particularly effective planted in groups

Compact, colourful and exceptionally early to flower, Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring' is a lovely choice for bringing the garden back to life after winter. Its glowing yellow flowers and contrasting purple feathering make it far more distinctive than a plain yellow crocus, while its small size makes it easy to find a home for in almost any sunny, well-drained garden.