Crocus Ruby Giant - ORG

The Ruby Giant is no subtle crocus. It is large, it is purple and it appears early — sometimes as early as the middle of winter. On a grey February day, it is a little burst of colour that brings the garden to life. The name is apt: it does have something of a ruby about it. Deep and glowing purple, with the yellow stamens providing a striking contrast.

Early and essential for bees

The Ruby Giant flowers at a time when few other plants are producing nectar. For bees and bumblebees becoming active after winter, it is literally a lifesaver — their first meal of the year. The large flowers open wide in the sun and close neatly when it’s cloudy. This rhythm makes it particularly efficient as a source of nectar: it’s available precisely when the bees are out and about.

Letting it naturalise in lawns or borders

Plant the Ruby Giant loosely throughout the lawn or border in autumn — no neat rows, just scattered and planted wherever they fall. In the lawn, wait until the foliage has turned yellow before mowing after flowering; by then, the bulb will have stored enough energy for the following year. It naturalises slowly but surely, spreading a little further each season.

Combining

The Ruby Giant looks stunning alongside white crocuses such as Jeanne d’Arc, or next to the striped ‘King of Striped’ for a vibrant and varied colour palette early in the year. Combine it with Scilla siberica or Muscari for a continuous flowering period from February to May. Organically grown, certified NL-BIO-01.