Autumn Crocus

sternbergia colchiciflora

Also known as: ["Sternbergia lutea","Sternbergia sicula"]

Family: Amaryllidaceae Genus: Sternbergia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial bulbous plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom in autumn, resembling crocuses.

Benefits & Perks

["autumn flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Sternbergia
Botanical Name: Sternbergia colchiciflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or naturalized in grassy areas
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, gritty soil with added organic matter; cactus or bulb mix suitable.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.

Warning Signs: Rotting bulbs, yellowing foliage, or failure to flower may indicate poor drainage or incorrect watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pot for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce significantly in dormancy

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering during dormancy.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

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

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates cold down to -15°C (5°F); prefers moderate temperatures during growth (15–25°C or 60–77°F).

Protect from frost in colder zones; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain moderate temperatures during active growth.

Fertilizing

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

Fertilize sparingly; use a bulb-specific formula; stop feeding in late summer.

Propagation

Methods

By division of bulbs; occasionally by seed (slow and less common).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Carefully dig up bulbs after foliage dies back.
  2. Separate offsets with a sharp, sterile knife.
  3. Replant immediately at the same depth.

Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are dormant (late spring or early summer).

Environment

Warm, dry conditions during dormancy; moderate moisture during growth.

Medium

Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.

Hormone

Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.

Timeline

Bulbs may flower within 1–2 years after division; seeds take 3–5 years to mature.

Tools Needed

Garden trowel, sharp knife, bulb separator.

Quick Tips

Divide only when bulbs are crowded; replant at the same depth; water sparingly after division.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stalks at the base; do not cut foliage until it yellows and dies back naturally.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks after blooming to tidy appearance.

Tools

Hand pruners or sharp scissors.

Checklist

Remove spent flowers; avoid cutting green foliage; clean tools after use.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late spring or early summer after flowering and before dormancy.

Pot Size

Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Carefully lift bulbs, remove old soil, inspect for rot, replant at the same depth in fresh, well-drained soil.

Suggestions

Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; best when dormant.

Checklist

Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper depth; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at root zone; ensure drainage; reduce in dormancy.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil directly at the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall when dormant; avoid watering during winter unless soil is extremely dry.

Soil Improvement

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

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; delayed flowering or rot in cold, wet conditions.

Cold Stress

Can survive freezing temperatures but may suffer root damage in poorly drained soil; foliage may yellow or die back in winter.

Solution: Plant in well-drained soil; mulch heavily in colder zones; avoid overwatering during winter.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt in intense heat; flowering may be reduced if temperatures are too high.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply in spring only; avoid during dormancy.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring as growth resumes; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sternbergia colchiciflora can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or underlying physiological stress, often affecting photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health.

Wilting in Sternbergia colchiciflora is typically a response to water stress, either from drought or root issues, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Sternbergia colchiciflora are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to aesthetic damage, reduced photosynthesis, and potential spread to other plant parts.

Rotting, particularly root or bulb rot, can occur in Sternbergia colchiciflora due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, resulting in decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Sternbergia colchiciflora is toxic to cats, with the bulbs and roots containing compounds that can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and systemic toxicity. Cats are particularly sensitive to colchicine-like substances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy depression loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Contact a veterinarian promptly if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The bulbs and roots of Sternbergia colchiciflora are toxic to dogs due to the presence of colchicine-like compounds, which can disrupt cellular processes and lead to severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs. Seek veterinary attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Sternbergia colchiciflora contains colchicine-like compounds that can interfere with cell division and cause gastrointestinal distress. The effects are generally mild unless large quantities are ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep bulbs and roots away from children and pets.
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: When does Sternbergia colchiciflora bloom?

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

Q: Is Sternbergia colchiciflora toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How should Sternbergia colchiciflora be cared for?

A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. Water sparingly during dormancy.

Quick Reference
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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