Crocus versicolor 'Picturatus', also known as the Cloth of Silver Crocus, is a particularly elegant early-flowering crocus with delicate white blooms beautifully marked by fine purple veining on the outside of the petals. The markings are especially noticeable while the flowers are closed, creating a fine striped effect against the silvery-white background.

Growing to just 4-10cm tall and flowering between January and March depending on the weather, 'Picturatus' is perfect for bringing subtle colour to the garden at the end of winter. It is an excellent choice for rockeries, gravel gardens, borders, containers and naturalising, where established clumps can return each year and gradually create larger displays.

• Botanical name: Crocus versicolor 'Picturatus'
• Common name: Cloth of Silver Crocus
• Flower colour: white with purple veining
• Established height: 4-10cm
• Flowering time: January to March
• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Hardiness: hardy
• Suitable for: naturalising, rockeries, borders and containers

About Crocus versicolor 'Picturatus'

Crocus versicolor is a small spring-flowering crocus native to parts of south-eastern France and north-western Italy. 'Picturatus' is a selected form prized for the distinctive colouring of its flowers. Its pale petals give the plant a fresh, almost silvery appearance, which explains the traditional name 'Cloth of Silver'.

The outside of each flower is decorated with slender purple lines and feathered markings. These can vary slightly from flower to flower, adding to the natural appearance of a group planting. In sunshine the goblet-shaped blooms open to reveal a much cleaner white interior, providing a lovely contrast with their patterned outer surfaces.

Early Flowers for the Garden

'Picturatus' can flower from January through to March, with the exact timing influenced by local conditions and winter weather. This makes it a valuable choice for adding interest at a point in the year when relatively few other garden plants are in bloom.

Its small stature also makes it easy to fit into established planting schemes. Try it amongst low-growing alpine plants, around deciduous shrubs or beneath small trees where the flowers can enjoy plenty of light before surrounding plants come fully into growth.

Growing Crocus 'Picturatus'

Plant the corms during autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position. Choose soil that drains freely, particularly during winter. Crocuses generally establish best where their corms are not left sitting in cold, waterlogged ground for prolonged periods.

Once established, they require very little attention. After flowering, leave the slender foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. This allows the leaves to replenish the corms and helps produce a good display the following year.

Ideal for Rockeries and Gravel Gardens

At only 4-10cm tall, Crocus versicolor 'Picturatus' is particularly well suited to rockeries and gravel gardens. Its small flowers can be appreciated at close range, where the intricate purple markings are much easier to see.

Plant several corms together between rocks or amongst low-growing alpine plants for the best effect. The white flowers are easy to combine with other early bulbs, while their purple markings provide enough detail to make this variety stand out.

Naturalising Crocus 'Picturatus'

This crocus is also an excellent choice for informal naturalised planting. Groups can be planted through short grass, beneath deciduous trees or around the edges of borders, where they can settle into the garden and return each spring.

For the most natural appearance, plant the corms in irregular groups rather than straight lines. If growing them in grass, avoid mowing the foliage immediately after flowering. Wait until the leaves have yellowed naturally so the corms have time to store energy for the following season.

Growing in Containers

The compact habit of 'Picturatus' makes it ideal for pots, troughs and other spring containers. Growing it close to the house also provides a good opportunity to appreciate the fine purple veining that gives the variety much of its character.

Plant the corms together in a free-draining compost and position the container somewhere bright. They can be grown alone for a simple display or combined with miniature daffodils, species tulips and other early crocuses.

Useful Early Flowers for Pollinators

Early crocuses can provide a useful source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects venturing out during mild spells towards the end of winter. Their flowers open wider in sunny conditions, making them particularly attractive on bright early spring days.

Planting several different early-flowering crocuses together can provide a succession of blooms while creating a colourful display from late winter into spring.

Why Grow Crocus versicolor 'Picturatus'?

• Elegant silvery-white flowers
• Distinctive fine purple veining
• Also known as the Cloth of Silver Crocus
• Flowers between January and March
• Compact height of just 4-10cm
• Excellent for naturalising
• Ideal for rockeries and gravel gardens
• Suitable for pots and containers
• Hardy and easy to grow
• Provides valuable early-season flowers

With its beautifully patterned flowers and compact growth, Crocus versicolor 'Picturatus' is a lovely choice for anyone looking beyond the more familiar large-flowered crocuses. Plant the corms in groups and the delicate white and purple blooms will provide an intricate display as the garden begins to wake from winter.