Crocus Ruby Giant A vigorous and early-flowering crocus, Crocus ‘Ruby Giant' is loved for its rich purple-violet blooms with golden-orange stigmas that brighten the garden in late winter to early spring. Despite its name, the flowers are actually a velvety purple rather than ruby red. This variety grows slightly larger and stronger than many other crocuses, making it especially effective when planted in generous drifts. The slender, grass-like leaves, marked with a silvery stripe, appear alongside the flowers and add extra texture. Plant it in lawns, at the edges of borders, beneath deciduous trees, or tucked into rock gardens for a natural look. Over time, ‘Ruby Giant’ naturalises easily, forming cheerful carpets of early spring colour that return year after year. It is loved by bees, providing valuable nectar at the very start of the season. Resilient to late frosts. Site: Lawns, rock gardens, borders, beneath treesSoil: Well-drained, moderately fertilePosition: Full sun to partial shadeSeason of interest: Late winter to early spring (flowers)Hardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 7–10 cm (3–4 in) Spread: 5–10 cm (2–4 in); increases by naturalising
