Husum crocus flower

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The crocus blossom in the park of the palace in front of Husum
Information board about the Husum crocus flower
The crocus blossom - in the background the castle in front of Husum

The Husum crocus blossom is a nationally known attraction of the city of Husum in the district of North Friesland in Schleswig-Holstein . In spring, around 4 million purple crocuses of the Crocus napolitanus species bloom in the park of the palace in front of Husum on an area of ​​around 50,000 square meters, transforming the park into a sea of ​​purple flowers. The only occurrence of this size in northern Europe is also known as the “flower wonder of the north”.

Origin of the crocuses

When and for what reason the crocuses were planted is unknown - it is assumed that they were planted with the intention of obtaining saffron ; for this, however, Crocus sativus would have had to be planted. There are two theses on planting crocuses:

  1. In the 15th and 16th centuries - until it was dissolved in the course of the Reformation - the gray monastery of the order of the Franciscans (the so-called "gray monks") was located on the site of today's palace in front of Husum . The location of the former monastery garden coincides with today's palace park. The monks may have planted the crocuses to obtain saffron for coloring liturgical vestments .
  2. In 1660 the castle became the widow's seat of Duchess Maria Elisabeth (1610–1684), the widow of Duke Frederick III. of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf (1597–1659). Under Duchess Maria Elisabeth the crocuses could have been planted to obtain saffron for use in the preparation of dishes, especially confectionery.

The location of the crocus carpet brings favorable conditions due to its proximity to the North Sea . Due to its mild winter climate, the crocuses have survived as stinzen plants for over 300 years, even without human influence, they reproduced and are wild.

The crocuses

Crocus napolitanus is about 10 cm tall and has six petals, which are mostly light purple in color - almost white specimens are rarely found. The leaves are long and narrow and have a white central stripe. The stamens and hub are dark yellow. The species is native to Italy and the western Balkans . The species was naturalized in northern Europe and belongs there to the stinzen plants .

  • Blooming crocuses ( Crocus napolitanus )

  • Road sign with reference to the crocus flower

  • Shield to protect the crocuses

  • Blooming crocuses ( Crocus napolitanus ) - in addition to the purple crocuses, there are also almost white specimens

  • The crocus blossom - in the background the Husum water tower

Others

  • The Husum crocus blossom is a nationally known and much-visited attraction, which is accompanied by the choice of a "crocus blossom queen" and other activities.
  • The crocus flower has been the subject of regular reports on television , radio and the press .
  • To protect the crocuses, it is forbidden to enter the lawns in the castle park until May 20th of each year.

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Web links

Commons : Husum Crocus Blossom  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Husum crocus flower | the floral wonder of the north . In: Husum Tourism . ( husum-tourismus.de [accessed on November 8, 2018]).
  2. ↑ Husum: Four million crocuses and a new queen. NDR on March 17, 2019