Crocus banaticus, also known as the Iris-Flowered Crocus, is a cormous perennial herb native to meadows, woodland clearings, and grassy slopes in the Balkans, including Serbia, Romania, and southwestern Ukraine. It typically grows to about 4 inches tall and produces striking violet or white flowers in the autumn. Each flower consists of three larger outer tepals and three smaller inner tepals, creating a delicate and distinctive appearance. The bloom period is followed by the emergence of grass-like leaves that persist through winter if the climate is mild.

The Iris-Flowered Crocus is celebrated for its early autumn blooms, which provide a splash of color when few other plants are flowering. It is a choice plant for rock gardens, borders, and naturalizing in grassy areas. It thrives in well-drained soil, prefers full sun to partial shade, and requires low to moderate watering. This species is relatively low maintenance and is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to corm rot if kept in overly wet conditions. Crocus banaticus has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional value in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0