Autumn Crocus
colchicum montanum
Also known as: ["Meadow Saffron","Naked Lady"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to Europe, known for its large, lilac-purple flowers that emerge in autumn without foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Colchicum |
| Botanical Name: | Colchicum montanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden, woodland edge, or shaded border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter; bulb-specific mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidying rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in warmer climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; adjust light exposure based on seasonal changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement as light angles change seasonally.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) during growth; tolerates frost but prefers mild winters.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot weather; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Fertilize sparingly; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully divide offsets from the mother bulb.
- Plant at the same depth as the parent.
- Water lightly until established.
Best Time: After flowering in late fall or early winter when bulbs are dormant.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly (1–2 months); seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, small trowel, bulb separator.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; plant divisions at the correct depth; avoid disturbing roots excessively.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers and yellowed leaves with clean cuts; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks after flowering to tidy appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove only dead or damaged parts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late spring to early summer when the plant is dormant.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger or add 2–3 cm in diameter; ensure adequate depth for bulb growth.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; best done during dormancy.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; maintain planting depth; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; ensure excess water drains away to prevent rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early summer); increase watering in late summer to early fall as growth resumes; reduce again after flowering in fall.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in extreme cold.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can slow growth or cause root damage; frost may damage foliage but bulbs are usually hardy.
Solution: Mulch bulbs in winter; protect from extreme frost; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to wilt or scorch; may lead to premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring and once after flowering; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicColchicum montanum is toxic to cats due to its colchicine content, which disrupts cellular processes and can lead to severe poisoning. Cats are particularly sensitive to alkaloid compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe colchicine content in Colchicum montanum is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic poisoning. The alkaloid interferes with cellular division, leading to organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicColchicine, a potent alkaloid present in all parts of Colchicum montanum, disrupts microtubule formation, leading to mitotic arrest and severe physiological disturbances. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Colchicum montanum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: When does Colchicum montanum bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to October.
Q: Does Colchicum montanum require special care?
A: It is relatively easy to grow but prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
