Autumn crocus is an excellent plant for adding colour to the garden in autumn. Its most unusual characteristic is that the flowers emerge directly from the corm without any leaves present; the foliage appears several months later, in spring. Although the flowers closely resemble crocuses, autumn crocus is not related to them. Each stem produces up to twelve goblet-shaped flowers in shades ranging from deep pink to pale mauve. A pure white form, ‘Album’, is also available, as well as the double-flowered variety ‘Waterlily’, which has many pinkish-purple petals. The plants look most attractive when grown in generous groups. Despite its refined appearance, this bulb is easy to grow. It should be noted that all parts of the plant are poisonous.
How to plant
Autumn crocus corms are planted in late summer. They should be placed at a depth of about 7.5 cm and spaced 10 to 15 cm apart. The plants prefer free-draining soil enriched with organic matter. This is also the best time to divide existing clumps if they have become overcrowded. Choose a position in full sun or light shade, such as a border, rock garden, lawn or beneath deciduous trees.
Flowering period
Flowering takes place in autumn, when the leafless flowers emerge directly from the soil. The blooms are short-lived individually, but flowering is often impressive due to the number of flowers produced per corm. Cut flowers can be harvested for the vase once the goblet-shaped blooms are fully formed but still closed, where they will last for about a week.
After flowering
After flowering, the spent blooms may be removed or left to die back naturally. Foliage appears in spring and should be allowed to grow undisturbed, as it feeds the corm for the following season. Towards the end of the growing cycle, dead leaves can be removed to keep the area tidy.
Tip:
Plant autumn crocus in groups rather than singly for the most striking visual effect in the autumn garden.
