Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Crocus

Crocus is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of adding grit to the planting hole in heavy clay soils in the early stages and paid for it. narcissus fly larvae tunnelling into the base of the bulb also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a mixed border with later-emerging perennials to hide dying foliage which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. some of the earliest colour in the garden after winter is visible but muted. earliest crocuses and snowdrops emerging in late winter gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.