The Stunning Crocus Plant That Grows In The Autumn

Crocuses are usually one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, poking up through snow and sludge to add shades of green and purple to the gray. However, you don't have to wait until the springtime to get your crocus fix. There is a wonderful crocus-like flower that blooms in the fall, allowing you to enjoy its cheery nature even when there are months until the new year. Aptly named, the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a beautiful perennial that produces delicate, star-shaped blooms of pink and purple from late summer to early fall. This flower is not actually a true crocus. It is part of the lily family (Lilaceae), but at 8 inches tall with dainty purple flowers, you can see why it gets called a crocus. 

The autumn crocus is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9 and can survive even colder climates with winter protection. When dormant, the corms can withstand soil temperatures of around 23 degrees Farienheit. In spring, long, green leaves will appear out of the corm, which then goes dormant when summer comes. The plant will show no other life until the fall, when its blooms spring from the ground. Each corm can have up to 10 flowers. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, helping you turn your garden into a wildlife habitat, whatever the season. 

Autumn crocuses need to be planted in mid to late summer for a fall bloom. They do well in rich, well-draining soil in a sunny location. However, this stunning fall-blooming flower does tolerate partial shade. The corms of autumn crocuses should be planted 6 inches apart and 3 to 6 inches deep. It may be useful to amend the soil with a general-purpose fertilizer before planting to help them settle in and establish themselves. As autumn crocuses can suffer in dry soils, ensure you are keeping on top of watering if there is little rainfall during the growing season. 

In terms of season-to-season care, the dormant bulbs are pretty hardy and can tolerate some summer drought and winter freezes. It is important to leave the yellowing leaves on the bulb once its spring foliage has turned, as they will supply nutrients to the bulbs for their fall flowering. You may wish to consider this when picking a spot for them. You could tactically place them among early summer flowering perennials that get cut back in the fall to disguise the unattractive foliage. These perennials can be divided in early summer, when the leaves have died. You can plant the larger bulbs out straight away, but smaller ones may need to be grown in a cold frame for a year beforehand.