Autumn crocuses (Colchicum spp.) look like spring crocuses but are actually members of the lily family. They most commonly bloom in autumn, with flowers ranging in colour from purple to the palest of pink and even pure white. They look good naturalised in grass, beneath trees, or at the front of borders. The flowers come up without any leaves which gives them their other common name of ‘naked ladies’.
Watch as Monty Don explains how and when autumn crocus flower, in this clip from Gardeners’ World:
All parts of the autumn crocus plant are poisonous, so wear gloves when handling the bulbs.
How to grow autumn crocusGrow autumn crocus in moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. Plant the corms in August for flowers in September and October. There’s no need to prune autumn crocus, simply let them die down naturally. Propagate from offsets in summer.
Where to grow autumn crocusPlant autumn crocus in well-drained soil in dappled shade under trees or in grass. Autumn crocus can be planted in pots but they have less chance of coming back the following year than those growing in the ground. For best results, grow autumn crocus in large pots, which enables them to be planted at the ideal planting depth of 8-10cm.
How to plant autumn crocusPlant autumn crocus corms in August and they will flower in September and October. Dig a hole 8-10cm deep and plant bulbs 15cm apart. Wear gloves when handling the corms as they are poisonous.
How to propagate autumn crocusAutumn crocus will generally spread and naturalise without any help. However, if you do want to propagate them, you can take offsets from the main corms in summer, after the leaves have died back.
How to care for autumn crocusOnce established, autumn crocus do not
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