Alphabetical Plant Listing

Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)

Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies, Fog Crocus, Meadow Crocus, Michaelmas Crocus, Naked Boys, Purple Crocus, Upstart (Colchicum)


Perfect for adding a burst of color to the fall garden, Colchicum (Autumn Crocus) bears big flowers in shades of purplish-pink and white in September or October. Resembling crocuses with its cup-shaped flowers, it produces its strap-like foliage, way later, in spring. Ridiculously easy to grow, all parts of this plant are poisonous, therefore it is diligently ignored by hungry deer, rabbits, and other critters.

  • Growing up to 6-12 inches tall (15-30 cm), Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Easily grown in averagemedium moisturewell-drained soils in full sun or part shade.
  • Stunning in front of shrubsamong low-growing perennialswoodlands, meadowsaround patios or along walkways
  • To be planted in late summer for bloom the same year in the fall.

There are about 30 different Colchicum species found in Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor and Central Asia. For garden use, however, people have little to fear in regard to the plant’s poisonous nature. 

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Colchicum - Autumn Crocuses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread 2" - 3" (5cm - 7cm)
Depth 7" (17cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

bmaudsley / 123RF Stock Photo

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Colchicum - Autumn Crocuses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread 2" - 3" (5cm - 7cm)
Depth 7" (17cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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