Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Colchicum autumnale 'Pleniflorum'
Plant Common Name
Autumn Crocus, Naked Ladies
General Description
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 on long white floral tubes, creating an unexpected display at a gardening season dominated by yellow, orange and red. Although often called "autumn crocus", it is unrelated to its namesake.
The corms of autumn crocus are usually available for a short period in summer, when they should be planted in a fertile, humus-rich soil in full to partial sun. Often they are planted among evergreen groundcovers such as ivy, creeping juniper, or asiatic jasmine, so that they are all but forgotten until their joyful appearance. They are also great to use in dish gardens and alpine troughs, or in meadows, lawns, or shrub borders.
All parts of this plant are poisonous, so place it where it won't be confused with edible plants or handled by children.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
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Width
4"-12" / 10.2cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Europe, Russia/Siberia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
