Dutch Crocus. Photo: Stinze Stiens.

Dutch Crocus. Photo: Stinze Stiens.

In addition to the Dutch Crocus, the Tommasini’s Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) is also present in Fryslân. The Dutch Crocus is predominantly purple and to a lesser extent white in color. This species is more elegant and smaller than most modern species of crocus and comes from the alpine environment. The bulbs are very small and do not lie deep in the ground. Like the Winter Aconite, the flowers only open when there is enough sun. The sun only needs to get through the clouds and the flowers will open. The Dutch Crocus, like the Winter Aconite, attracts many bees and bumblebees when conditions are appropriate. The Dutch crocus can also be propagated by seed. Mowing should be postponed till the leaves start to die to allow the bulbs to gain enough energy for the next growing season.

Hackfort, Martenastate, Pastorietuin Easterein (Old rectory garden), St. Vitus churchyard Stiens and Stinze Stiens are interesting places to see  the Dutch Crocus.