Autumn Crocus
colchicum multiflorum
Also known as: ["Meadow Saffron","Naked Lady"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant native to Europe, known for its large, lilac or pink 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 multiflorum |
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":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after foliage dies back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of dead or damaged leaves).
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 intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid deep shade; protect from scorching; adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cold winters and mild summers.
Protect from extreme cold; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply before flowering; stop after foliage dies back.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; offsets can be separated when mature.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: After flowering, when foliage begins to die back (late spring to early summer).
Environment
Cool, dry conditions during dormancy; moderate moisture when actively growing.
Medium
Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature and flower.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately; ensure proper spacing; avoid overwatering new divisions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut foliage at the base; avoid damaging the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead foliage after it yellows.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Wait until foliage yellows; cut cleanly; avoid bulb exposure.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy ends.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Use a well-draining mix; plant bulbs at twice their depth; ensure good spacing.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless bulbs become overcrowded; repot every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for overcrowding; plant at correct depth; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce water during dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, directly onto the soil, ensuring even moisture without wetting foliage; allow water to penetrate the root zone but avoid pooling.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (summer); increase frequency in fall when foliage emerges, then reduce again after flowering in spring.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf yellowing, or bulb rot in excessive heat; delayed growth or poor flowering in insufficient cold.
Cold Stress
Bulbs may rot if kept too wet in cold; foliage may show signs of frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch bulbs in cold climates; protect from frost with a cover.
Hot Stress
Bulbs may desiccate or fail to flower if exposed to excessive heat without adequate moisture.
Solution: Provide partial shade; maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid water stress during dormancy.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply when foliage appears; avoid during dormancy; dilute properly.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as foliage emerges; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicColchicum multiflorum is toxic to cats due to its colchicine content, which disrupts cellular processes and can result in severe poisoning. Cats are particularly sensitive to alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe colchicine in Colchicum multiflorum is highly toxic to dogs, interfering with cellular division and causing severe systemic effects. Even small ingestions can lead to serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicColchicum multiflorum contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation, leading to mitotic arrest and severe physiological effects. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, organ damage, and potentially fatal toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Colchicum multiflorum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: When does Colchicum multiflorum bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to October.
Q: Does this plant require special care?
A: It is relatively low maintenance but prefers well-drained soil and 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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