Family: Colchicaceae
Common Name: Fall Crocus

This genus, mostly from Europe and Asia, is not related to the crocus, despite its common name, though the flowers are rather similar. These hardy, bulbous plants, to 30 cm (12 in) in height, produce flowers in shades of pink, lilac and purple from late summer through to autumn, before the foliage appears in spring. They are often found in rock gardens and borders in cool climate gardens and also make good container plants.

Species

C. agrippinum, zone 5, produces lilac flowers with a distinctive checked pattern of purplish maroon.

C. autumnale, zone 5, meadow saffron, produces masses of lavender pink flowers. 'Album' has pure white flowers.

C. byzantinum, zone 6, comes in rose pink or purple.

C. speciosum, zone 6, has lilacpurple flowers. A number of very good, named cultivars of various species are available, including 'Waterlily, 'The Giant' and 'Autumn Queen'.

Cultivation

Autumn crocus needs a well-drained, loamy soil and plenty of sun, and will flower as soon as the weather cools down. Plant the corms 7 cm (3 in) deep and about 15 cm (6 in) apart during summer. Water abundantly in dry weather once growth starts and feed in early spring. Allow foliage to mature and die off in the summer, no matter how untidy it appears.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.