Bulbous perennial of the Iridaceae family, 'Queen of the Blues' is a cultivar from the group of large spring crocuses, selected from Crocus vernus subsp. vernus, developed in the Dutch horticultural tradition.
This cultivar is distinguished by the particular shade of its flowers, which gives it its name: the tepals, broad and well-rounded, display a medium lilac-violet to slightly bluish, quite bright and soft, noticeably cooler than most purple crocuses of the group. The outer face of the tepals is slightly darker and more distinctly bluish, creating a slight contrast effect when the flowers are still in bud. The anthers are bright orange-yellow, forming a luminous center that enhances the freshness of the overall hue.
The foliage is narrow, upright, dark green, adorned with the characteristic silver median line of the vernus group crocuses. The flowers open widely in the sun and close in cloudy weather.
In cultivation, flowering occurs in March-April. It is grown in well-drained soil, in full sun, and is suitable for rock gardens, borders, and lawns where it gradually naturalizes. Planted en masse, the effect of its bluish hue, rare in the range of spring crocuses, is particularly remarkable.