The autumn crocus season continues here in Maryland. In bloom today, among others, are Crocus serotinus salzmannii and Crocus pulchellus ‘Inspiration’. Here’s something which interests me about these autumn crocuses: some come into bloom suddenly, all at once, and that’s all you get so-to-speak. Others trickle in flowers over a period of weeks. For instance, Crocus thomasii and Crocus cartwrightianus have been in bloom off and on since early October – and it seems to be the same plants which are putting up one flower after another. Because crocus flowers are so easily damaged by rain – an ill timed rain can wipe out the annual display of some species overnight - the adaptive significance of producing flowers over a long season is obvious. It seems to me that for decorative purposes, these long bloomers are much to be desired. But which species are best in this respect? What have others observed about this? Can anyone recommend other species notable in this respect? Jim McKenney jimmckenney@jimmckenney.com Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, 39.03871º North, 77.09829º West, USDA zone 7 My Virtual Maryland Garden http://www.jimmckenney.com/ BLOG! http://mcwort.blogspot.com/ Webmaster Potomac Valley Chapter, NARGS Editor PVC Bulletin http://www.pvcnargs.org/ Webmaster Potomac Lily Society http://www.potomaclilysociety.org/