Crocus 'Panda' is a particularly striking early-flowering crocus, producing pure white flowers boldly marked with deep aubergine-purple, almost black blotches on the outer petals. The dramatic two-tone colouring makes this compact variety stand out beautifully in borders, rockeries, lawns and containers.

Flowering from January through to March, 'Panda' provides welcome colour during the latter part of winter and the beginning of spring. Growing to around 15cm tall, it looks especially effective planted in generous groups where the contrasting dark and light flowers create an eye-catching display.

• Variety: Crocus 'Panda'
• Flower colour: white with deep aubergine-purple markings
• Flowering time: January-March
• Height: approximately 15cm
• Position: full sun or light shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Planting time: autumn
• Suitable for: borders, rockeries, containers and naturalising

About Crocus 'Panda'

'Panda' is aptly named for its bold contrasting colour pattern. The flowers are predominantly clean white, but the outside of the petals carries large aubergine-purple blotches that can appear almost black in certain light. When the flowers remain closed during cool or dull weather, these dark markings are particularly prominent.

Once sunshine encourages the flowers to open, their much paler interiors are revealed, giving the plant a completely different appearance. A group of 'Panda' crocuses can therefore change noticeably throughout the day as the flowers open and close.

Early Colour from January to March

Crocus 'Panda' flowers between January and March, making it an excellent choice for extending the spring bulb season towards the beginning of the year. Its compact blooms are smaller than those of the familiar Dutch large-flowered crocuses, but they make up for their size with distinctive colouring and plenty of character.

Plant 'Panda' alongside yellow, blue or purple crocuses for a colourful mixed display, or grow it by itself in larger groups to make the most of its unusual white and aubergine markings.

Growing Crocus 'Panda' in the UK

Plant Crocus 'Panda' corms during autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position. A location receiving plenty of winter sunshine will encourage the flowers to open fully on bright days.

Good drainage is important, particularly while the corms are dormant. Choose fertile, free-draining soil and improve heavy ground with grit or other drainage material if necessary. Once established in a suitable position, the corms require very little maintenance.

Ideal for Rockeries and Borders

At approximately 15cm tall, Crocus 'Panda' fits easily into the front of borders and smaller rock gardens. Its low-growing habit means it can be planted between later-flowering perennials, providing colour before surrounding plants begin their main spring growth.

For the greatest impact, plant the corms in groups rather than individually. The repeated pattern of creamy white and almost black-purple petals creates a much stronger display when several flowers appear together.

Growing Crocus 'Panda' in Containers

'Panda' is an excellent crocus for pots, troughs and window boxes, where its intricate markings can be enjoyed at close range. Plant several corms together in a container filled with good-quality, free-draining compost.

It can also be combined with miniature narcissi and other small spring bulbs. Choosing varieties with contrasting yellow or blue flowers will make the distinctive colouring of 'Panda' stand out particularly well.

Naturalising Crocus 'Panda'

Crocus 'Panda' can be incorporated into informal bulb plantings beneath deciduous trees, through short grass or around the edges of borders. Plant the corms in irregular groups for a natural appearance rather than spacing them in straight rows.

After flowering, allow the narrow foliage to remain until it has yellowed and died back naturally. The leaves continue producing energy after the flowers have finished and help replenish the corm for the following year's growth.

Useful Early Flowers for Pollinators

Early crocuses are a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Their flowers can provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects emerging during mild spells when relatively few other garden plants are flowering.

Combining 'Panda' with other crocuses and early spring bulbs can help provide a succession of flowers during late winter and early spring.

Why Grow Crocus 'Panda'?

• Unusual and highly distinctive two-tone flowers
• Pure white petals with aubergine-purple to almost black markings
• Early flowering from January to March
• Compact growth to around 15cm
• Excellent for pots and containers
• Ideal for rockeries and border edges
• Suitable for naturalised planting
• Provides useful early flowers for pollinating insects

With one of the most distinctive colour combinations among early crocuses, Crocus 'Panda' is an excellent choice for adding something unusual to a spring bulb display. Its bold aubergine markings contrast beautifully against the pure white petals, creating a small but exceptionally eye-catching flower during the earliest months of the gardening year.