Autumn Crocus

colchicum lusitanum

Also known as: ["Naked Lady","Meadow Saffron"]

Family: Colchicaceae Genus: Colchicum Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its large, showy 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 lusitanum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock garden or sunny border
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after foliage dies back.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of dead leaves only).
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 full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Soft, mushy bulbs indicate rot due to poor drainage or overwatering; yellowing leaves may signal waterlogging or nutrient issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade; avoid deep shade for optimal flowering; rotate pot regularly if grown indoors.

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-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; prefers cool temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates mild frosts.

Protect from extreme temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent soil moisture; adjust watering based on temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy

Use a bulb-specific fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing.

Propagation

Methods

Division of bulbs; seed propagation is possible but slow.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Dig up clumps.
  2. Separate bulbs carefully.
  3. Replant at the same depth.
  4. Water lightly.

Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after foliage dies back in late spring or early summer.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions for seeds; well-drained, sunny spot for divided bulbs.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix (e.g., cactus mix with added perlite or sand).

Hormone

Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.

Timeline

Bulbs establish quickly after division; seeds may take 2–3 years to flower.

Tools Needed

Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.

Quick Tips

Divide only when necessary; replant bulbs immediately; water sparingly until established.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip dead leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove dead foliage after it yellows and dies back.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Check for dead foliage; use clean tools; avoid cutting into bulb or healthy tissue.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late spring or early summer after foliage dies back.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting in a container.

Method

Gently remove bulb; trim any damaged roots; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Not typically required for outdoor planting; container-grown bulbs may need repotting every 3–4 years if overcrowded.

Checklist

Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; replant at correct depth.

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.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil around the bulb.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early summer); increase watering in fall as foliage emerges and flowers bloom; reduce again after foliage dies back in late spring.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing or browning of leaves; stunted growth; failure to flower; bulb rot in excessive heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Bulbs may rot if soil remains waterlogged in freezing temperatures; foliage may die back prematurely.

Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; mulch bulbs in late fall in colder regions; avoid overwatering during winter.

Hot Stress

Bulbs may fail to emerge or flower if exposed to prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C) during dormancy.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; ensure soil remains cool and moist during active growth; avoid excessive fertilization in heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; dilute correctly; apply to soil, not foliage.

Fertilizing Method

Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as foliage emerges; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Colchicum lusitanum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, potentially affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Colchicum lusitanum can result from inadequate water supply, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Colchicum lusitanum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to tissue necrosis, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or bulb rot, in Colchicum lusitanum is often caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, which can lead to decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Colchicum lusitanum is highly toxic to cats due to its colchicine content. Cats are particularly sensitive to this alkaloid, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, systemic toxicity, and fatal organ damage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression loss of appetite difficulty breathing tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is critical for survival.
Dogs
Toxic

Colchicine in Colchicum lusitanum is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity. The alkaloid interferes with cellular division, leading to multi-organ damage and potentially fatal outcomes.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite difficulty breathing tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.
Humans
Toxic

Colchicum lusitanum contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation, leading to severe physiological disturbances. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological effects, potentially resulting in organ failure and death.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing heart arrhythmias paralysis
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and pets. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Colchicum lusitanum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is highly toxic to both dogs and cats.

Q: When does Colchicum lusitanum bloom?

A: It blooms in autumn, typically from September to November.

Q: Does Colchicum lusitanum require special care?

A: It is relatively low maintenance but prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Colchicaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 2–3 weeks during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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