DESCRIPTION: This group consists of between 60 and 70 fall-blooming, perennial corms commonly known as Autumn Crocuses. However, don't confuse Autumn Crocuses with true Crocuses, some of which also bloom in the fall. Autumn Crocus is the common name for plants belonging to the group,Colchicum, which belongs to the Lily family, Liliaceae. The true Crocus is the actual genus name and belongs to the Iris family, Iridaceae. Autumn Crocuses are natives of the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. These low-growing (4- to 6-inches high) plants provide a rainbow of color in the sometimes dreary fall weather. They are often found blooming at garden centers before they are even planted in the soil. Each corm produces several 2- to 8-inch wide, long-lasting flowers in colors such as white, pink, violet, rose, pink, mauve and purple. The flowers are borne in the fall well before the leaves grow in late winter or early spring. The long leaves grow about a foot high, then die back after a few weeks. If they are planted among Daffodils and Tulips, you'll hardly notice their leaves. Autumn Crocuses are popularly grown in saucers of pebbles and water, but will not live for long out of the soil. A good one for doing this is C. byzantinum, which produces mauve flowers on white stems. *NOTE: Colchicum corms are poisonous if eaten.
POTTING: Autumn Crocuses are suitable for growing in woodland gardens, meadows, and flower beds in zones 4 to 9. However, most Autumn Crocuses available won't naturalize in frost-free climates. They need some winter cold to thrive year after year. In these regions, they must be grown in a shady location in rich woodland soil and never allowed to dry out. In suitable climates, plant the dormant corms in late summer or early fall, 3 or 4 inches deep and 6 to 9 inches apart. Plant flowering corms with the flowers just a few inches above the soil line. They will thrive in any well-drained garden soil in a partially shaded or sunny location. Provide plenty of water during active growth.
PROPAGATION: Autumn Crocuses can be increased during the dormant period in early summer. Their corms can be divided or the cormlets can be detached and replanted. However, divide the plants only when they become overcrowded. Seeds may also be sown in sandy loam and leaf mold. Cover the seeds with a half an inch of soil.
SPECIES & VARIETIES: C. autumnale & var. 'Album'; C. byzantinum; C. speciosum & var. 'Album; 'Lilac Wonder'; C. agrippinum; C. psardiis.