Autumn Crocus
colchicum variegatum
Also known as: ["Meadow Saffron","Naked Lady"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its striking autumn-blooming flowers that resemble crocuses but are not related.
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 variegatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden, border, or naturalized in grassy areas
- 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.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning only.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates bright indirect light indoors.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; focus on root zone during active growth.
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 sand or grit if drainage is poor.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from freezing temperatures; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent cool conditions during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; apply after watering to prevent root damage; stop fertilizing when leaves yellow and die back.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs (corms) after foliage dies back in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up corms after foliage dies back.
- Separate offsets from the mother corm.
- Allow corms to dry for a few days before planting.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is dormant and corms are mature.
Environment
Cool, dry conditions during storage; plant in well-draining soil with partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix (e.g., cactus mix or sandy loam) with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for corm division.
Timeline
Corms can be planted immediately; new growth may appear in fall if conditions are favorable.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, clean containers.
Quick Tips
Handle corms carefully to avoid damage; store in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately; plant at the correct depth (2–3 times the corm's height).
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off yellowing or dead leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain appearance.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead or damaged foliage; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late spring to early summer after foliage dies back.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring adequate drainage.
Method
Gently remove the corms, divide if necessary, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the correct depth.
Suggestions
Repot only when corms become overcrowded or the pot is root-bound, typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; plant corms at the correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
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, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (summer); increase frequency in fall when foliage emerges, then reduce again after flowering in spring. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf damage or bulb rot in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause slow growth or damage to foliage; bulbs may rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; ensure well-draining soil; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to premature dormancy, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase air circulation; water deeply but avoid waterlogging during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid during dormancy; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring as foliage emerges and once after flowering. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to colchicine, and ingestion of any part of Colchicum variegatum can lead to severe poisoning. The alkaloid disrupts cellular processes, causing gastrointestinal and systemic effects that can be life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are highly susceptible to colchicine poisoning from Colchicum variegatum. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, systemic toxicity, and potentially fatal complications due to the plant's potent alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicColchicum variegatum contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that interferes with cell division, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress, organ damage, and potentially fatal poisoning. The plant's effects are systemic and can cause significant physiological disruption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Colchicum variegatum safe for pets?
A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: When does Colchicum variegatum bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to November.
Q: Does Colchicum variegatum 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 |
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