(Hybrid Autumn Crocus, Hybrid Meadow Saffron)

Large in flower size and a robust display overall, the purplish blooms of 'The Giant' appear in earliest fall (rather than in spring like those of most other "bulbs"). Although sometimes called "autumn crocus," it is not related to the genus Crocus, which is in the iris family.

This hardy perennial produces large, broadly oval leaves in spring, which gather energy for the underground bulb-like storage organ, known as a corm. In very early fall, about three months after the pointed leaves...

(Hybrid Autumn Crocus, Hybrid Meadow Saffron)

Fragrant, checkered pink-violet blooms of 'Violet Queen' appear in earliest fall (rather than in spring like those of most other "bulbs"). Although sometimes called "autumn crocus," it is not related to the genus Crocus, which is in the iris family.

This hardy perennial produces large broad strap-shaped leaves in spring, which gather energy for the underground bulb-like storage organ, known as a corm. In late summer, about three months after the pointed leaves have withered, numerous...

(Double Autumn Crocus, Hybrid Autumn Crocus, Waterlily Autumn Crocus)

Prized for its exquisite lilac-pink fall flowers that indeed resemble those of its namesake, 'Waterlily' originated in the early twentieth century from a cross between Colchicum autumnale 'Alboplenum' and Colchicum speciosum 'Album'. Although sometimes called "autumn crocus," it is not related to the genus Crocus, which is in the iris family.

This plant produces large handsome strap-shaped leaves in spring, which gather energy for the underground bulb-like storage organ,...

(Hybrid Autumn Crocus, White Double Autumn Crocus)

With as many as 20 white tepals on each fall flower, 'White Waterlily' originated from a cross between Colchicum autumnale 'Album' and Colchicum speciosum 'Album'. Although sometimes called "autumn crocus," it is not related to the genus Crocus, which is in the iris family.

This plant produces large handsome strap-shaped leaves in spring, which gather energy for the underground bulb-like storage organ, known as a corm. In late summer or early fall, about three months...

(Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies)

Like a welcome surprise, the lavender-pink, goblet-shaped flowers of autumn crocus pop up from the ground to confirm that summer has truly ended. The common name is misleading, though the flowers of this hardy "bulb" do superficially resemble crocuses, colchicums are not related to the genus Crocus.

Native from southern and western Europe to Russia, autumn crocus grows from plump corms (condensed underground stems) with papery tunics. In spring, these send up decorative large lance-shaped...

(Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies)

Like a welcome surprise, the lavender-pink, goblet-shaped flowers of autumn crocus pop up from the ground to confirm that summer has truly ended. The common name is misleading, though the flowers of this hardy "bulb" do superficially resemble crocuses, colchicums are not related to the genus Crocus.

Native from southern and western Europe to Russia, autumn crocus grows from plump corms (condensed underground stems) with papery tunics. In spring, these send up decorative large lance-shaped...

(Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies)

Popping its white, goblet-shaped flowers up from the ground in early autumn, this cheerful hardy "bulb" is certain to brighten the garden. Native to Europe and western Russia, it grows from plump corms (condensed underground stems) covered with papery tunics. They send up large lance-shaped green leaves in spring, which provide nourishment to the corm before withering and disappearing in late spring. In the waning days of very late summer or early autumn, white flowers on long white tubes emerge...

(Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies)

One of the relatively few hardy "bulbs" to bloom late in the growing season, this cheerful perennial plant is certain to brighten the garden. A native of southeastern Europe, it grows from small globular corms (condensed underground stems) covered with papery tunics. The decorative, lance-shaped green leaves appear in early spring, providing nourishment for the corm before withering in late spring. In late summer, white buds emerge from the ground, maturing to deep reddish-purple flowers that create...

(Autumn Crocus, Naked Ladies)

One of the relatively few hardy "bulbs" to bloom late in the growing season, this European native is certain to brighten any garden. Its double-flowered cultivar 'Pleniflorum' bears numerous lavender-pink, starburst blooms in late summer.

Plump corms (condensed underground stems) covered with papery tunics send up large lance-shaped green leaves in early spring, which provide nourishment to the corm before withering and disappearing in early summer. In the waning days of summer, the flowers emerge...

(Byzantine Meadow Saffron)

Prized for its lilac-pink flowers that appear in late summer rather than in spring like those of most other "bulbs," this hardy perennial is a natural hybrid of Colchicum autumnale and Colchicum cilicicum. Native to Asia Minor, it has been known in gardens since the sixteenth century. Although sometimes called "autumn crocus," it is not related to the genus Crocus, which is in the iris family.

This plant produces large broad strap-shaped leaves in spring, which gather...