Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos' is a beautiful and unusual autumn-flowering crocus prized for its delicate silvery-lilac flowers and contrasting bright yellow anthers. Originally discovered near the ruins of ancient Ariassos in the Antalya region of Turkey, this distinctive cultivar is particularly sought after by collectors and gardeners looking for something a little different.

Unlike the familiar spring-flowering crocuses, 'Ariasos' produces its flowers during October and November, bringing fresh colour to the garden as many summer plants are beginning to fade. Plant it in a warm, sunny position with well-drained soil, where the corms can establish and return year after year.

• Botanical name: Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos'
• Family: Iridaceae
• Flower colour: silvery lilac
• Anthers: bright yellow
• Flowering time: October-November
• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Planting time: late summer to early autumn
• Suitable for: rockeries, gravel gardens, borders, containers and bulb collections

About Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos'

'Ariasos' is a selected form of Crocus pallasii, an autumn-flowering species found naturally across parts of the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. The cultivar takes its name from Ariassos, an ancient city whose ruins lie in the Antalya region of southern Turkey, close to where this form was originally discovered.

It has become particularly desirable amongst crocus enthusiasts because of its elegant colouring and geographical provenance. The flowers combine cool silvery-lilac petals with vivid yellow anthers, creating a simple but striking contrast.

Autumn Flowers in October and November

One of the most appealing characteristics of Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos' is its flowering season. While most gardeners associate crocuses with the arrival of spring, this variety produces its display during October and November.

The flowers emerge close to ground level and look particularly effective planted in small groups. Their soft lilac colouring works beautifully amongst autumn foliage and provides a welcome change from the reds, oranges and yellows more commonly associated with the season.

Growing Crocus 'Ariasos' in the UK

Choose a sunny, sheltered position with soil that drains freely. Good drainage is especially important, as the corms are better suited to relatively dry conditions than to heavy ground that remains wet for prolonged periods.

In gardens with heavy clay, consider growing 'Ariasos' in a raised bed, rockery or container where drainage can be controlled more easily. A sunny position will encourage the flowers to open fully on bright autumn days.

Perfect for Rockeries and Containers

The compact growth of 'Ariasos' makes it an excellent choice for rockeries, alpine beds and gravel gardens. Planting it amongst low-growing plants or between stones helps keep the delicate flowers visible and provides the free-draining conditions that autumn crocuses appreciate.

It is also an excellent candidate for container growing. A pot or alpine trough allows the flowers to be appreciated at close range, including the subtle silvery tones of the petals and contrasting yellow anthers. Use a free-draining compost and avoid allowing the container to remain permanently waterlogged.

A Crocus for Collectors

Although easy to grow when given suitable conditions, Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos' is considerably less familiar than the commonly grown Dutch crocuses. Its combination of autumn flowering, attractive colouring and interesting origin makes it an excellent addition to a specialist bulb collection.

Availability can be limited, so ordering early is recommended if you would like to add this unusual cultivar to your garden.

Why Grow Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos'?

• Unusual autumn-flowering crocus
• Elegant silvery-lilac flowers
• Contrasting bright yellow anthers
• Flowers during October and November
• Originally discovered near ancient Ariassos in Turkey
• Excellent for collectors and bulb enthusiasts
• Suitable for sunny, well-drained rockeries
• Ideal for pots and alpine troughs
• Adds fresh colour to the autumn garden

With its delicate silvery-lilac blooms, vivid yellow anthers and fascinating Turkish origin, Crocus pallasii 'Ariasos' is an autumn crocus with real character. It is particularly rewarding in a sunny rockery or container where its intricate flowers can be appreciated up close, and makes an excellent choice for anyone building a collection of unusual crocus species and cultivars.