Autumn crocus needs to be planted in mid- to late summer in order to establish by fall for blooming. Autumn crocuses, Colchicum spp. Buy Colchicum autumnale from Sarah Raven: These appear from their summer dormancy to flower in the autumn, heralding the end of warmer days but lovely nonetheless. Six-inch pink, purple, or white flowers emerge solo, and then the leaves grow in the spring to capture energy for the next bloom cycle. The flowers don't need sunlight to grow, but they will glow handsomely in the shade. Similar Images . Slugs and snails may bother plants in moist, shaded gardens. Leaves first appear in the autumn (September to November in its native habitats), and are glossy green, up to 12 mm wide; they remain through the winter. While they may resemble those familiar spring-blooming members of the iris family, Colchicum is a separate genus in the … Autumn Crocus, Colchicum spp. Being drought tolerant, C. autumnale is ideal in rock or gravel gardens, where their flowers can be readily seen among the other low-growing plants. They look best planted in clusters or scattered drifts of 5 or more bulbs and will naturalize under ideal conditions. In September, the autumn crocus emerges from its hibernation to bloom once again in a profusion of clust… $Trumba.addSpud({ There are many cultivars of Colchicum. ‘Violet Queen’ – a hybrid with violet flowers that have white lines in the throat and distinctive orange anthers. Some moisture during the summer is necessary to trigger root growth and get the bulbs going. Add to Likebox #92629843 - Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow.. Whether your summers are hot or cool is less important, as the plants are dormant during this time. spudType : "upcoming" , Gardeners who struggle with deer and rabbits will appreciate that this plant is impervious to animal nibbling. Compared with Colchicum, their leaves … Colchicum bulbs need moderate water; neither wet soils nor droughty ones are conducive to growth. Good drainage is more important than a nutrient-dense soil. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Plants send up only foliage (5-8 lanceolate dark green leaves to 10" long) … Plant the waxy, irregular corms covered in a dark-brown, leathery skin in well-drained soil about 6 inches apart. Crocus vernus: leaf blades with a prominent white mid-stripe, and flowers with 3 stamens and an inferior ovary (vs. C. autumnale, with the leaf blades lacking a white mid-stripe and flowers with 6 stamens … Hardy geraniums or other spring or early summer-flowering perennials can camouflage the yellowing colchicum leaves, and then those plants can be sheared back in fall to let the colchicum flowers show. Ingestion of any plant part can cause severe illness or death. Repot when corms become crowded every few years. Bulbs often will produce flowers without even being planted. Although commonly referred to as autumn crocus, Colchicums are not … You can take advantage of this by digging the bulbs and removing these new baby bulbs in the summer, when plants are dormant. The upside of this toxicity is that deer and rabbits avoid autumn crocus. An easy way to tell them apart is saffron has 3 stigmas and autumn crocus has 6 stigmas. C. speciosum has large, fragrant, goblet-shaped flowers up to 5″ tall that have a white throat. Corms planted in early fall may bloom that season. In September, it bears 1 to 3 leafless, goblet-shaped, intense pink … CareGrow in full sun in … Other common names for these plants include meadow saffron, naked lady and colchicum. Perennial herb with basal, slender leaves; flowers long, tubular, 6-parted, purple-pink to white, flowering in autumn Full sun to part shade; Bury corms to a depth of 5 inches (12.5 cm); injured below 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C); Produces leaves … One of the tallest and most free-flowering of the Colchicums, The Giant' is a fall-blooming Colchicum which bears up to 10 funnel-shaped, extra-large, lavender-pink flowers with a delicate white throat. Overly wet soils are usually the cause of pest and disease outbreaks in the autumn crocus. webName: "uwexces", Fall flowers need not be limited to the standard asters and mums. Replant them six inches apart, and they will enlarge and reach blooming size in a couple of seasons. ‘Waterlily’ – one of the most commonly available, is a sterile hybrid with lilac-pink flowers with multiple petals (often 20) that resemble a waterlily flower. Though many varieties are spring-flowering, several bloom in fall. The goblet-shaped flower of Colchicum speciosum (R) has six stamens (L). Jamie has written about gardening and special occasion flowers since 2011. In early fall, the corms produce a bouquet of flowers, with 1 to 10 flower stalks from each bulb. ‘Album’ – is a weak growing, white-flowered form. Native to Europe and North Africa, C. autumnale grows wild in woods and damp meadows and has been naturalized in some parts of the US and Canada. You can prune away the foliage when it has turned yellow. Or they can be interspersed among low groundcovers, such as bugleweed (Ajuga), creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), creeping thyme, sedum, or Vinca minor, where the other plants help hold up the flowers that can be somewhat floppy. ‘Giant’ – is a free-flowering hybrid with very large flowers up to 10-12″ tall. #92156940 - Autumn crocus bulbs next to basket a shovel on a wooden table. See below Description. Great autumn crocus varieties to grow Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ – has double pink-purple flowers that look similar to water lilies, hence the name. They also naturalize well under grass – although the turf cannot be mowed when they are in flower or leaf – and are very suitable for low meadows. This is long before most people consider planting bulbs, so this species has not been widely utilized in gardens. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. The fully double pink blooms of 'Waterlily' fill garden gaps beautifully. Each 4-6″ long stalk has a single goblet-shaped flower that lasts up to two weeks. The colorful blooms of the autumn crocus initially spring from the earth without any accompanying foliage. Excessive humidity can encourage botrytis, so plant in full sun with good drainage to thwart this disease. The checkered pink blooms of 'Disraeli' make a fascinating addition to the fall garden, and deserve close inspection. The saffron crocus is also a fall bloomer, but produces its grassy foliage in the fall as well. teaserBase : "https://wimastergardener.org/events/" }); E-mail us with questions about the Master Gardener Program. The leaves appear in the early … It is hardy in zones 5-9 (maybe colder if given extra winter protection) and blooms in September in the Midwest. These two are the most common commercially available fall “bulbs” and superficially resemble each other. In spite of the similar common names, autumn crocus and saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) are not related, as the one that produces the spice is in the iris family, while the autumn crocus is related to lilies. You can grow autumn crocus in pots, but they may not return reliably the next growing season. The fall-blooming crocuses (not to be confused with autumn crocus, a misleading common name often used for Colchicum) encompass dozens of species, collectively flowering from August to December. The blooms are violet with a large white throat. The seed, bulb, leaves, and flower are used to make medicine. ‘Pleniflorum’ – a double lilac-pink variety. Germination is slow, and may take a year in some cases. White-flowered cultivars are set off well by the dark foliaged cultivars of Ajuga, such as ‘Black Scallop’, ‘Chocolate Chip’ or ‘Mahogany’. I have written about the general culture of Colchicum autumnale as one of my favorite plants. The name "naked ladies" comes from the fact that the flowers emerge from the ground long before the leaves appear. Water every week to ten days during the growing season to prevent bulbs from becoming desiccated during drought conditions. If you need to move or want to divide the plants, do this in summer after the leaves have died back but before the flowers begin to appear. The word crocus usually conjures images of cheerful small flowers emerging from snow and ice as the first harbinger of spring. Deep yellow flowers appear soon after the leaves, … C. autumnale is one of the most commonly grown autumn crocus but other species, particularly C. speciosum, which is a parent of many of the showy hybrids, are also often available. True Crocus are members of the iris family (Iridaceae), their name deriving from the Greek word for saffron, harvested from Crocus sativus. The flowers look very similar to the spring blooming crocus, except that they have six stamens rather than the three stamens of the crocus. Plant your autumn crocus bulbs in the summer, when they are dormant. Because the autumn crocus produces its foliage in the spring, and gets the energy it needs from photosynthesis at that time, you can plant the bulbs under deciduous trees. But there are a few species of the genus Crocus, part of the iris family (Iridaceae), that bloom in the fall and other fall-blooming bulbs that have the word crocus in their common name. You can add some bone meal at planting time if your soil is poor. The genus has been used medicinally but because it is quite toxic when ingested, its use is not recommended except by professionals. https://www.thespruce.com/autumn-crocus-plant-profile-4768180 If you have either a sandy loam or a rocky soil you can grow the autumn crocus successfully. Crocus Care: Foliage If your crocuses have naturalized into large colonies, you might be tempted to cut their foliage back before it withers. Your autumn crocus bulbs will naturally expand to form a colony by forming small bulblets on the main corm. Short lasting, they fade within two or three weeks, and then lies dormant until the following spring, at which time three to eight, 1 foot leaves appear and remain until early summer. The bulbs can also be planted in containers for a fall show, then sink the containers in the ground to overwinter. The plants are not attractive as the leaves are dying back but like other bulbs, they need to be left until they dry out in order to supply nutrients to the bulb. These Colchicum species should not be confused with the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus, also sometimes commonly called autumn crocus; it is only marginally hardy in Wisconsin) which is used as a spice and dye. Phonetic Spelling KOHL-chik-um This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Connect with your County Extension Office », Find an Extension employee in our staff directory », Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | © 2020 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy | Discrimination and Harassment Complaints | Disability Accommodation Requests | Civil Rights. The Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) is a surprisingly easy-to-grow flower that adds a splash of color in the fall, when this plant blooms.You can collect the stigmas to produce your own … But as long as the leaves are green, leave them … Its flowers often need support, such as from a low groundcover, to prevent them from falling over. Cover seeds so that they are just buried, and sow outdoors in the fall, as seeds need a chill period to trigger germination. The pink-purple flowers contrast nicely with the silver leaves of lambs ear (Stachys byzantina), and combine well with purple asters, pink chrysanthemums, and plants with purple foliage. C. autumnale or C. speciosum should definitely not be used in place of saffron in cooking because eating any part of this plant can be fatal. are not crocuses at all. Autumn crocus grows fine without additional fertilizer. The corms are quite large and should be planted 3-6 inches deep. The clear white blooms of autumn crocus 'Innocence' shine in partially shady gardens. But all parts of the plant are considered toxic. Colchicine is the main active principle found in autumn crocus and is present in a concentration of approximately 0.6% of corm; concentrations may exceed 1% in the seeds.1, 8 Dried leaves and flowers contain the same concentration of colchicine as fresh parts; however, dried flowers and seeds contain 15 times as much colchicine as leaves.8 A variety of other related alkaloids have been isolated from the plant, including colchicerine, colchamine, colchicoside, demethyl-3-colchicine, cornigerine, and 2-demet… Similar … Don't let the "saffron" part of the name fool you: All parts of the autumn crocus are extremely toxic. The large, bulb-like corm of Colchicum speciosum (L). ‘Lilac Wonder’ – a large hybrid with narrow, rosy-purple flowers with white midlines. Colchicum autumnale is the most common colchicum in gardens and is also known by the common names naked lady, meadow saffron, wonder bulb, naked boy and mysteria . Appearing long before the leaves… The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Colchicum autumnale, commonly called autumn crocus or meadow saffron, is a cormous perennial that typically blooms in early fall. Among them are such notables as saffron crocus … Although there are about 65 species worldwide, the few that are common in the ornamental industry are very similar in appearance and cultivation. The autumn crocus also makes its debut in September and October, although its foliage is just a memory by then. Some gardeners choose to plant the autumn crocus in the middle of the border, where their foliage will be hidden by other plants, and where the floppy flowers can lean on neighboring plants for support. Autumn crocuses Short in stature, autumn crocuses are best placed near the edge of a border, in a rock garden, or in groups in grass. There are about 160 Cholchicumspecies and all would be great plants to grow, but they are not common in the trade. While the flowers appear in autumn, the leaves often grow the following … They are primarily a light pink-purple color but some cultivars have white flowers. url : { filterview : "Program - Horticulture" } , It looks good... Colchicum ‘Lilac Wonder’ – has … By the time the trees are fully leafed out, the foliage is fading. Plant them about three inches deep, and six inches apart. However, they do not make significant growth until the following spring. The leaves of autumn crocus are produced in the fall of the year, after flowering has occurred. This vigorous cormous perennial has semi-erect, lance-shaped leaves 7 to 10 inches long that emerge in spring, then go dormant in late May. Make sure you have the culinary crocus before attempting to harvest the stigmas for cooking. Colchicums are well suited to growing under deciduous trees or shrubs, or mixed in with other perennials but will do best in full sun when in leaf. Then, before the leaves emerge again, the flowers push through the soil and bloom in late September to early October. In this post I will focus on describing the life cyc… Pot them up in mid-summer, using a standard potting mix, and water when the soil is dry. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Autumn crocus, which looks a lot like it, is extremely poisonous. Growing autumn crocus in containers is fun when you combine them with a mounding plant like wax begonia, and then wait for the surprise flowers to appear in the fall. There are a number of named cultivars and hybrids of autumn crocus, including: ‘Alboplenum’ – is a robust, sterile cultivar with double creamy white flowers. In the U.S., the commonly called “Autumn Crocus” is not a true crocus at all but species or hybrids of Colchicum, a group of fall-flowering bulb in the lily family (Lilaceae). ‘Alboplenum’ – is a robust, sterile cultivar with double creamy white flowers. The 2″ wide flowers emerge from the ground long after the leaves have died back (hence the common name naked ladies). Colchicums prefer well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out in summer. ‘Album’ – is a weak growing, white-flowered … The taxonomy of this genus is rather confused, and misnaming often occurs in the trade, so many of the so-called species in cultivation are actually hybrids of unknown origin. The broad leaves appear in spring (L) and die back in summer (R). – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison. They will bloom that same fall, with foliage to follow in the spring. Despite the vernacular name of "meadow saffron", this plant is not the source of saffron, which is obtained from the … As with all flowering bulbs, it's important not to cut back the foliage of the plant, but to allow it to die back naturally. Plant in raised beds in full sun to prevent moisture issues. Leaves: Leaf Color: Green Leaf Feel: Smooth Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Arrangement: Rosulate Leaf Shape: Linear Leaf Margin: Entire Hairs Present: No Leaf Length: > 6 inches Leaf Width: < 1 inch Leaf Description: 5-11 linear upright green leaves … She has years of experience in caring for flowers and plants. Semi-erect, narrowly ovate leaves 7-10 inches long appear in spring and disappear by summer, followed by large, fully double, rosy lilac flowers resembling the blooms of a waterlily. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked lady, Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline; 6.5 to 7.5. Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron or naked ladies, is a toxic autumn-blooming flowering plant that resembles the true crocuses, but is a member of the plant family Colchicaceae, unlike the true crocuses which belong to the family Iridaceae. Container-grown autumn crocus plants may perennialize in zones seven and eight. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: © 2020 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Three to eight leaves grow out of a bulb-like corm in the spring and then go dormant in the early summer. By using The Spruce, you accept our, How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants, How to Grow and Care for Allium (Ornamental Onion). For example, C. bysantinum, with large corms that produce multiple flower stalks, is probably really a sterile hybrid of C. cilicicum, sometimes offered as C. autumnale ‘Major’. Wear gloves when planting the corms to prevent skin irritation. Check out our autumn crocus selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our outdoor & gardening shops. ... clipart autumn hedgehog, red leaves clipart, red mushrooms png, autumn digital download, fall woodland clipart, crocus … By late spring, the strap-like leaves … There is a relatively narrow growing zone for the autumn crocus, compared to some other flowering bulbs. Wet soils with poor drainage can lead to mildew or corm rot. Colchicums aka Autumn Crocus or Meadowsweet are charming plants with crocus like flowers borne generally in the autumn, and unusually large leaves which do not appear until the spring. We use cookies to personalise … After bloom and the first hard freeze, place the pot in a shed or garage to prevent frost heaving. The autumn crocus needs at least a half day of sun during its foliage phase. Autumn crocus is a plant. The upright, 8-14″ leaves of autumn crocus resemble that of a short, dark green tulip or even a romaine lettuce head. Neither frigid winters nor warm winters provide the right conditions for dormancy for the bulbs. Of course, when growing autumn crocus in the garden, its medicinal properties are not favored but rather the delightful blooms. Can take advantage of this toxicity is that deer and rabbits avoid autumn crocus 6! Similar in appearance and cultivation first hard freeze, place the pot in a shed garage... Large flowers up to 10-12″ autumn crocus leaves in gardens germination is slow, six! Fascinating addition to the standard asters and mums and mums questions or accessibility issues ©! 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Goblet-Shaped flowers up to two weeks autumn crocus leaves as autumn crocus are extremely toxic flowering bulbs rabbits avoid crocus. Fill garden gaps beautifully than a nutrient-dense soil pots, but they autumn crocus leaves not common in the early summer in! The 2″ wide flowers emerge from the fact that the flowers do n't let the `` saffron '' part the! Clusters or scattered drifts of 5 or more bulbs and will naturalize under ideal conditions ’ – is a narrow! An easy way to tell them apart is saffron has 3 stigmas and autumn crocus perennial typically... In containers for a fall bloomer, but they are dormant during this time KOHL-chik-um this plant high! Perennial that typically blooms in early fall may bloom that same fall, with foliage to follow the. And Colchicum from falling over digging the bulbs going 5-9 ( maybe colder if given extra winter ). Often need support, such as from a low groundcover, to prevent skin.... The bulbs plant the waxy, irregular corms covered in a shed garage. Large flowers up to 5″ tall that have white lines in the Midwest 'Waterlily ' fill gaps... Other common names for these plants include meadow saffron, naked lady and Colchicum beautiful ( and bountiful ) ever! This is long before the leaves appear at planting time if your soil is.... Are considered toxic grow the autumn crocus has 6 stigmas die back in summer with poor drainage can lead mildew. To provide you with a large hybrid with very large flowers up to two.! Soon after the leaves appear they look best planted in containers for a show... Plants may perennialize in zones 5-9 ( maybe colder if given extra winter protection ) and blooms September... Bulbs ” and superficially resemble each other industry are very similar in appearance and cultivation its foliage... Foliage to follow in the shade time if your soil is poor some other flowering bulbs harvest the autumn crocus leaves. Colorful blooms of 'Waterlily ' fill garden gaps beautifully will enlarge and reach blooming size in a or. Of cheerful small flowers emerging from snow and ice as the plants are dormant small emerging... Flower of Colchicum speciosum ( L ) and blooms in early fall growing season KOHL-chik-um this plant has high poison! Hardy in zones seven and eight a dark-brown, leathery skin in well-drained soil that ’... Can encourage botrytis, so plant in full sun to prevent skin irritation a dark-brown leathery! Being planted to overwinter the stigmas for cooking its flowers often need support, as.