Sponsor a display of crocus 'Whitewell Purple' (Crocus tommasinianus)
Sponsoring one of Kew’s renowned bulb displays is a special way to celebrate the life of a loved one or to remember a special anniversary or family event.
Whitewell purple (Crocus tommasinianus) planted along the Princess Walk at Kew Gardens.
Personal dedication
- All gifts are recorded on Kew's Commemorative Touchscreen Register.
- The register at Kew Gardens is located in the Secluded Garden glasshouse.
Introducing Crocus tommasinianus
One of the earliest crocuses to bloom, crocus 'Whitewell Purple' (Crocus tommasinianus) flowers in February and early March, with slender, funnel-shaped flowers which vary in colour.
The crocuses grow from corms with narrow, white striped basal leaves. The 'Whitewell Purple' grows to about 10cm high and is fully hardy.
Named after the botanist and politican, Muzio Giuseppe Spirito de' Tommasini, (1794 – 1879), born in Trieste (northeastern Italy), this crocus naturalises easily, spreading out to create a wonderful carpet of colour.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs - download our commemorative giving form (pdf) or phone us on 0208 332 3200 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) to make a donation by card.
Crocus 'Whitewell Purple' at Kew Gardens
This plant species has beautiful lavender star-shaped flowers with deep yellow stamens. They open in bright sunshine and provide a stunning display at Kew Gardens.
600,000 bulbs are planted along the Princess Walk, where the purple drifts on either side are a sure sign that spring is round the corner.
Species information
Crocuses are part of the Iridacae family, which also includes iris.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs
These bulb displays are available for sponsorship of £250 each and funds raised will be used for the planting and maintenance of the Gardens.
Your dedication will be recorded on the Commemorative Touchscreen Register in the Secluded Garden Glasshouse at Kew Gardens and you will receive a personalised certificate detailing your chosen species.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs - download our commemorative giving form (pdf) or phone us on 0208 332 3200 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) to make a donation by card.
Flowering bulbs available at Kew Gardens
1. Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
2. ‘February Gold’ daffodil (Narcissus) and Tenby daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris)
3. Crocus 'Whitewell Purple' (Crocus tommasinianus)
4. 'Glory of the snow' (Chionodoxa siehei)
5. Snakes’ head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris)
6. Autumn crocus (Colchicum speciosum)
There are also five plant species available to sponsor at Wakehurst.
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