Saffron

    This crocus has a showy and delicious flower, loved by honeybees and humans alike for the color it adds to food along with its distinctive flavor.  Paella is a good example of a popular dish where it plays a major role.  Zones 6 to 8. Blooms in September for a number of weeks as each bulb produces more than one flower.  Flower is purple with three red stigmas which are the “saffron” herb.  The most expensive herb in common use as it takes almost ¼ of a million stamens to make one pound of dried herb. It has been used for thousands of years and exact origin unknown, but probably Greece. Not to be confused with Crocus autumnale with pink flowers and 6 orange stamens.

     Squirrels enjoy the bulbs when just planted. Thereafter reasonably safe. The bulbs multiply quickly and provide an exceptional display of flowers which can be planted in large drifts.  Will tolerate some shade, but best in full sun.   Propagation is via division of bulbs. The blue petals can be used for a nice blue dye.