Cicely Mary Barker's Crocus Boy Flower Fairy

Crocus of yellow, new and gay;
Mauve and purple, in brave array;
Crocus white
Like a cup of light,   
Hundreds of them smiling up,
Each with a flame in its shining cup
By the touch of the warm and welcome sun
Opened suddenly. Spring's Begun
Dance then, fairies, for joy, and sing
The song of the coming again of Spring.

Crocus bloom in fall, winter and early spring. They bloom so early in the spring they are often seen poking up through the snow. Crocuses grow wild in the Mediterranean region and continue into southwest Asia. These beautiful flowers are a great accent for any area. They can be planted as houseplants, in rock gardens, woodland gardens, meadows, and yards. Their cup-shaped flowers come in a large range of vivid colors including white and gold, many shades of purple and blue, as well as multi-colored. Their thin, dainty, grass-like leaves grow from 4 to 7 inches long and depending on the species, grow at the same time, before or after the blossoms. In ideal conditions, Crocuses will spread into large clumps creating a carpet of brilliant color.