Pretty, primrose-yellow cups are shielded by an outer armour of bronzed plum on Crocus chrysanthus ‘Herald’.

Sometimes blooming as early as January from a bed of crisp snow, these delicate flowers are a welcome sign that spring is well on its way and are an important source of food for early pollinators.

Scatter the bulbs in an arc or drift through grass or in a sunny border and plant where they land for an organic look.  Also great for pots and containers on the patio or garden table where the intricately marked petals can be viewed up close.