How to Grow Colchicum - Autumn Crocus

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Autumn crocus, Colchicum, is a fall-flowering perennial bulb with strap-shaped leaves that appear after, or at the same time, the small vase-shaped lavender-pink flowers. Set autumn crocus where it will not be hidden by other plants.

Colchicum, autumn-crocus or meadow-saffron, is a genus of cormous plants of the Lily family. Colchicum is not related to the true crocus, though the flowering of the two plants looks alike. The species most frequently cultivated bears a cluster of large, pale-lavender blossoms in fall. The coarse grassy foliage appears the following spring, dying down before midsummer.

The corms are hardy enough to winter over with little or no protection in the temperate zone and left undisturbed, they will flower freely for years. Some can be dug during the dormant season and kept for indoor blooming as they are effective and exceedingly easy to handle.

Planted in peat moss in shallow bowls they will blossom with moderate heat and moisture.

Table of Contents

Get to know autumn crocus

Plant type: Perennial fall-blooming bulb
Growing Zones and range: 5-9
Hardiness: Half-hardy
Height and width: 4”- 6” tall, 4” wide
Foliage: Remains green in green all winter then disappears in spring
Flowers: Pink, lavender, or white; crocus-like flowers; each bulb produces up to 6 flowers.
Bloom time: Fall
Uses: Plant in groups of 6 bulbs or more for best effect.
Note: All parts of the crocus plant are toxic.
Botanical name: Colchicum autumnal; other varieties listed below
Common name: Autumn Crocus, meadow saffron

Where to plant autumn crocus

Plant autumn crocus in full sun to light shade.
Grow autumn crocus in average, well-drained soil.

Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale — Autumn crocus, *Colchicum autumnale*

When to plant autumn crocus

Plant corms in mid-to-late summer, 3 to 4 inches deep

Planting and spacing autumn crocus

Space autumn crocus 3 to 5 inches apart.

How to water and feed autumn crocus

Autumn crocus needs ample water when blooming; keep the soil evenly moist. When not in bloom autumn crocus needs moderate water.

Autumn crocus care

Autumn crocus is commonly pest-free.
Deer and rabbits may eat the flowers.

Autumn crocus common problems

Gray mold and slugs can be a problem for autumn crocus.

Autumn crocus propagation

Sow seed indoors in spring.
Separate corms when dormant in spring.

Crocus varieties to grow

There are 80 species of dwarf crocus.
Crocus chrysanthus includes many hybrids.
Crocus speciosus, showy crocus, has goblet-shaped flowers with lavender-purple flowers.
Crocus sativus, saffron crocus, has purple flowers.
Crocus venus, Dutch crocus, has white, lavender, purple, or yellow flowers.

Colchicum autumnale — Autumn crocus, meadow saffron

Colchicum autumnale is commonly known as autumn crocus, but Colchicum is not the same as a crocus–crocus has three stamens; colchicum has six. Colchicum autumnale is a beautiful mid-fall bloomer that produces 4-inch-long, chalice-shaped, pink, pale lavender, or white flowers. Colchicum flower stalks arise in clusters directly from the ground. Coarse-looking leaves with prominent veins appear in spring when most other bulbs are blooming. Corms may bloom without being planted and sometimes are used as decorations.

Size: 6 to 8 inches tall.
Light: Full sun to light shade.
Soil and moisture: Average, very well-drained soil; abundant moisture when actively growing.
Planting and propagation: Plant corms before they bloom in midsummer to late summer, 3 to 4 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart. To increase, divide after three or four years, when dormant; otherwise, leave undisturbed. Plants may self-sow.
Special care: All plant parts are poisonous. Corms allowed to bloom unplanted survive if planted but may be weakened temporarily.
Pest and diseases: Usually pest-free.
Climate: Zones 5-9.
Cultivars and similar species: ‘Waterlily,’ 6 inches tall, lavender-pink, waterlily-like double. C. a. album: white, 3 inches tall. C. aplenum: lilac, double peony form. C. byzantium: very large rosy lilac flowers, leaves emerge after flowers fade and overwinter. C speciosum: raspberry-lilac, fragrant, later blooming. Zones 3-9. C. cilicicum: star-shaped, fragrant, deep rosy lilac, later blooming, leaves grow in autumn.
Garden use: Plant where unattractive leaves are unnoticed and won’t mask spring bloomers. Excellent massed in low ground cover, use in a rock garden or under shrubbery in mixed borders.