Crocus 'Pickwick' (Crocus)

Crocus 'Pickwick' is one of the most recognizable and beloved Dutch crocuses, and for good reason. The large, cup-shaped flowers display shimmering silver-lilac petals heavily striped with dark lilac, giving each bloom a graphic, almost hand-painted quality. Bright orange anthers at the center provide a sharp contrast. The narrow, grass-like foliage has a fine silver stripe running down the midrib, which is an uncommon refinement you rarely notice until you look closely.

This is a vigorous, long-lived crocus that naturalizes enthusiastically in the right conditions. It is considered one of the best varieties for planting in drifts through lawn grass, where it multiplies steadily over the years and creates an expanding carpet of striped spring color. Deer-resistant and cold-hardy to Zone 3, it requires no special attention once it is established.

Plant corms in fall, three to four inches deep, in any well-drained soil with good sun exposure. 'Pickwick' blooms for about three weeks in early spring.