In mid–winter the diminutive delicate snow crocus, snowbunting, blooms in full sun even if frost and snow are on the ground. The heirloom crocus was introduced in 1914 by E.A. Bowles, British plant breeder and naturalist. His fondness for birds inspired him to name many of his crocus hybrids after birds.

Many garden writers extol the beauty of snowbunting. Elizabeth Lawrence stated that if she had to choose just one crocus it would be the snowbunting for its early pure white color and musk–like fragrance.

Rosemary Veery advised to plant them near the edge of the border so they would be easily viewed by all. Peter Loewer considers the Crocus chrysanthus species of which “Snowbunting” is one cultivar, a 24 hour plant, easy to grow, multiplying yearly and adaptable to partial sun settings.

For eight years snowbuntings have brightened my winters with white votive–like blossoms lit by a center yellow flame. When I use a magnifying lens to closely view the inside of the flower, I see a bright orange three– pronged stigma surrounded by three yellow stamens.

Unopened flower buds are goblet–shaped with finely etched purple feathering up the exterior petals. Even before the flower stalks emerge from the ground, thin green 2”–3” grasslike leaves shoot forth.

I ordered my crocus corms from Old House Gardens, an heirloom bulb source dedicated to researching and rescuing bulbs from extinction. The owner and originator, Scott Kuntz, is a former English teacher who left the classroom in pursuit of unusual and endangered bulbs and corms. As pointed out in their catalog, anyone can grow dozens of beautiful bulbs that will multiply year after year bringing decades of pleasure for less than a full tank of gas. Peruse heirloom bulbs at www.oldhousegardens. com/

Snowbuntings naturalize easily in lawns, woodland gardens, and flowerbeds. Crocuses are easy to grow and carefree plants. They adapt to any soil as long as it is well–drained. Full sun is their preference, but they do bloom in partial shade. Bulb fertilizer or bonemeal is recommended annually. Rarely are crocus plagued by diseases. Their pests include squirrels, rabbits, voles and mice, animals finding them as garden fresh snacks.

Snowbuntings are used in an assortment of ways in the landscape. They are commonly found in rock gardens. They work well in winter window boxes tucked in between pansies, violas and flowering kale.

In perennial beds they appear as the season opener. Since they naturalize easily in turfgrass, consider plugging your grass with dozens of crocus. They will be gone well in advance of mowing time but will make a spectacular show on the lawn in winter.
Each corm sends forth one to four flowers.