Autumn Crocus
colchicum autumnale
Also known as: ["Meadow Saffron","Naked Lady"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to Europe, known for its large, lilac-pink flowers that appear 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 autumnale |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border garden or naturalized area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but prefers some fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead foliage in autumn.
- 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 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 fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust shade levels based on seasonal temperature changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogged soil, especially during dormancy; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, 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 better growth.
Temperature
Hardy in cool climates; prefers temperatures between 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates frost but requires well-drained soil to prevent rot.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good drainage in cold weather; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth; fertilize only when actively growing; avoid fertilizing in summer dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs (corms) after flowering in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature clumps after flowering.
- Separate bulbs carefully.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Spring or early summer after flowering when bulbs are actively growing.
Environment
Warm, well-drained conditions with partial shade; protect from excessive moisture until established.
Medium
Well-drained soil mix (e.g., cactus mix or sandy loam) with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Bulbs can be planted immediately after division; flowering typically occurs the following autumn.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; replant immediately to avoid drying out; ensure bulbs are planted at the correct depth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stems at the base; pull or cut yellowed leaves; avoid cutting green leaves unless damaged.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stems after flowering to tidy appearance; remove yellowed leaves in autumn.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut yellowed leaves; avoid cutting healthy foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early summer after flowering when bulbs are dormant or just beginning dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting; ensure container has drainage holes.
Method
Carefully remove bulbs from container; divide if necessary; replant in fresh, well-drained soil at the same depth; water lightly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor planting; container-grown bulbs may need repotting every 2–3 years to refresh soil and divide overcrowded bulbs.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; refresh soil; ensure good drainage; replant at correct depth; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce watering during dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (summer) and increase frequency in autumn when growth resumes; reduce watering after flowering in spring to allow dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning of leaves (cold stress); wilting or stunted growth (heat stress); premature bulb dormancy (extreme heat).
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm the plant; however, prolonged wet soil in cold conditions can cause bulb rot.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent rot; mulch lightly in winter to protect bulbs from extreme cold and moisture.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaves to yellow or wilt; may lead to premature dormancy if conditions are too warm and dry.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water deeply but infrequently to keep bulbs cool without waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring only; use balanced fertilizer; avoid over-fertilization; do not fertilize during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy or after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicColchicum autumnale is equally toxic to cats, with colchicine causing severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological damage. Cats are particularly sensitive to alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicColchicine in Colchicum autumnale is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal distress, organ damage, and potentially fatal systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicColchicum autumnale contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation, leading to severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological effects. It is highly toxic even in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Colchicum autumnale safe for pets?
A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: When does Colchicum autumnale bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to October.
Q: Does Colchicum autumnale require much care?
A: It has low maintenance needs but requires moderate care knowledge.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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