Crocus orphei is superficially quite similar to C. reticulatus and other closely related species with blue flowers. Regardless of its very isolated location, until very recently it was regarded as C. reticulatus but in 2014 it was described as a new species separable from its allies by the throat colour, the width of the corm fibers and some other morphological features. It is easy to grow in the open garden and well sets seed without additional pollination. Pot grown plants during the summer better to bring outside to not subject the corms to extreme heat.