Smallest

At just 2cm across in full flower, Crocus danfordiae, is the smallest crocus species. There is one called Crocus minimus but that one was named by someone who had only seen three species and this wasn't one of them .... one of the quirks of Latin names! It is found in variable yellow, blue and white shades. The black marks at the base of the anthers are a diagnostic feature of this species.

Originating in the mountains of Turkey, named after Mrs Helen Danford who discovered it whilst trekking there on horseback at the end of the nineteenth century. It is not difficult to grow but being so small it is easily damaged so needs a very sheltered position to survive outside in the UK.