Dear Mary Sue, the Crocus imperati (both subspecies) occours yet in south of Italy, but around Naples area, which is exactly on the opposite side (and sea) where I live, at the same latitude. So I am not familiar with this species in habitat. On my side, in addition to the endemic Crocus thomasii (autum flowering), there is Crocus biflorus (this grows in most part of south of Italy) which flowers just now. I wish tomorrow morning to spot on any specimen in bloom. best regards Angelo