Crocus sativus

Saffron bulbs, or Crocus sativus, are known to be one of the most valuable plants to grow, not only for their show-stopping garden performance and wonderful deep lilac-purple autumn colour, but the saffron spice (also aptly known as the Red Gold) which is harvested from the Crocus sativus flowers is worth more than its equivalent weight in gold! If you had the time and the space you could really strike gold with this small flower as Crocus sativus is the plant which produces the highly-prized (and priced) red spice, saffron. However, there’s no need to be disappointed when you learn that there’s a reason why this showy autumn crocus’ spice costs so much: "It takes around a 150 of these small Crocus sativus plants (and some careful harvesting and drying) to nett about one gram of the saffron spice." However, even if you don’t have the patience to go commercial with regard saffron, you’ll still have struck gold with the display this lilac saffron crocus, flashed with deep purple and sporting a long red stigma, produces.