autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 8 inches tall6 to 8 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink, purple, white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a bulb for borders, rock gardens, and foundation plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Pink, purple, or white flowers open in late summer and autumn, and bees and butterflies visit them. Each bulb sends up one to six blooms.
Pairs well with Golden Tiara hosta, Blue fescue, and Hinoki cypress.
Native range
S and W & C Europe to USSR.