Naked-flowered Crocus
crocus nudiflorus
Also known as: ["Autumn Crocus","Naked Lady"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to Europe, known for its lavender-blue flowers that bloom in autumn without foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","autumn bloomer"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Crocus |
| Botanical Name: | Crocus nudiflorus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, naturalized areas, or raised beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after foliage has completely died back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; only remove dead or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if drainage is poor.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; prefers cool temperatures (40–60°F/4–16°C) during growth; tolerates winter cold but needs a period of dormancy.
Plant in well-drained soil to prevent cold bulb rot; avoid fertilizing in extreme heat or cold; protect from late frosts in spring.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb rot; use a bulb-specific fertilizer for best results; stop fertilizing once foliage dies back after flowering.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; occasionally by seed (slow and less common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up clumps after foliage dies back.
- Separate small bulbs from the mother bulb.
- Replant immediately at the correct depth.
Best Time: After flowering in late spring or early summer when bulbs are dormant.
Environment
Cool (50–60°F/10–16°C), dry conditions for bulbs; bright indirect light for seedlings.
Medium
Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Bulbs may flower within 1–2 years after division; seeds take 3–5 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store divided bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip foliage at the base with clean shears; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or yellowing foliage after it dies back naturally.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Wait until foliage is fully yellow/brown; cut close to the bulb base; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable; bulbs are divided rather than repotted.
Pot Size
Not applicable.
Method
Not applicable; division is the primary method of propagation.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; bulbs are best left undisturbed once established.
Checklist
Not applicable.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water until the soil is evenly moist but not saturated; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to summer); increase watering in fall as growth resumes; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth (fall to early spring).
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in overly cold conditions; soft, mushy bulbs in overly wet, cold soil.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold or wet conditions can cause bulb rot; frost can damage tender foliage if growth is active in late winter.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in fall to insulate; avoid watering excessively in cold weather; protect emerging foliage from late frosts with row covers.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch or wilt; bulbs may fail to develop properly if temperatures are too high during dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply but infrequently to keep bulbs cool; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat buildup.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use a balanced fertilizer; apply in early growth phase; dilute properly; avoid during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early fall as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; dilute to half strength to prevent bulb burn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThe bulbs and corms of Crocus nudiflorus are toxic to cats, inducing severe gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects. The plant contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested by felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs and corms of Crocus nudiflorus are toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The plant contains compounds that can lead to significant health issues if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs and corms of Crocus nudiflorus contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and mild systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant is generally considered safe for ornamental use but poses a risk if parts are consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Crocus nudiflorus bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically from September to November.
Q: Is Crocus nudiflorus toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Crocus nudiflorus?
A: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; water moderately during growth periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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