Underplanting crocus corms
QI have a bay tree with gravel around its base. I think crocuses would look fantastic growing around it. Could I plant crocus corms underneath gravel? Will they grow through?
Sylvia Wakeman, via email
AWhat a lovely idea – planting crocuses to embellish your bay tree. The best way to help them flourish and spread is to take out 9in (23cm) deep holes in the gravel and fill them with free-draining loamy soil.
Set corms to three times their depth and 4in (10cm) apart and cover soil with gravel. Leaves and flowers will push through the gravel to create a riveting springtime feature.