Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron
colchicum alpinum
Also known as: ["Autumn Crocus","Meadow Saffron","Naked Lady"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to the Alps, known for its striking purple or pink flowers that emerge in autumn without foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Colchicum |
| Botanical Name: | Colchicum alpinum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden or alpine trough
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove yellowing foliage in late spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.
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 mixes; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) during growth; tolerates frost but prefers mild winters.
Keep in cool, bright location; avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Fertilize sparingly; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; stop feeding during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; seed propagation is possible but slow.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant at twice their depth.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: After flowering in spring or during dormancy in summer.
Environment
Cool (50–60°F or 10–15°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; optional for seeds.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly (1–2 months); seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, trowel, bulb separator, well-draining pot.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs when overcrowded; plant seeds in fall for vernalization; keep soil consistently moist but not wet.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut foliage only after it has yellowed and died back.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks after flowering to conserve energy.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove only dead or spent parts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall (dormancy period).
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) if repotting.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at twice their depth in fresh, well-draining mix.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; plant bulbs at correct depth; water sparingly 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 without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (summer); increase watering in fall as growth resumes; reduce again after flowering in spring.
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
Yellowing leaves (cold stress); stunted growth (heat stress); premature bulb dormancy (extreme heat).
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; bulbs can rot if soil remains wet in cold.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch bulbs in winter; protect from excessive moisture.
Hot Stress
Bulbs may enter premature dormancy; foliage wilts or burns; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact; follow seasonal schedule.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer; apply once in early fall and once after flowering; dilute to half strength.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of colchicine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic toxicity. The plant's alkaloids can lead to serious health issues, even with small exposures.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are highly sensitive to colchicine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and systemic toxicity. Even small ingestions can lead to serious health complications due to the plant's potent alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicColchicum alpinum contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that interferes with cell division, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity. The plant's effects are dose-dependent and can be life-threatening if ingested in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Colchicum alpinum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: When does Colchicum alpinum bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to October.
Q: Does Colchicum alpinum require special care?
A: It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, with minimal maintenance once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
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