Autumn crocuses (Colchicum subsp) look like spring crocuses but are actually members of the lily family. They most commonly bloom in autumn, with flowers ranging in colour from purple to the palest pink and even pure white. They look good naturalised in grass, beneath trees or at the front of borders. The flowers come up without any leaves, which gives them their other common name of ‘naked ladies’.
Watch as Monty Don explains how and when autumn crocus flower, in this clip from BBC Gardeners’ World:
All parts of the autumn crocus plant are poisonous, so wear gloves when handling the bulbs.
How to grow autumn crocus
Grow autumn crocus in moist but free-draining soil in dappled shade. Plant the corms in August for flowers in September and October.
There’s no need to prune autumn crocus, so simply let them die down naturally. Propagate from offsets in summer.
Where to grow autumn crocus
Plant autumn crocus in free-draining soil in dappled shade under trees or in grass. Autumn crocus can be planted in pots but they have less chance of coming back the following year than those growing in the ground.
For best results, grow autumn crocus in large pots that enable them to be planted at the ideal planting depth of 8-10cm.
How to plant autumn crocus
Plant autumn crocus corms in August so that they will flower in September and October. Dig a hole 8-10cm deep and plant bulbs 15cm apart. Wear gloves when handling the corms as they are poisonous.
How to propagate autumn crocus
Autumn crocus will generally spread and naturalise without any help. However, if you do want to propagate them, you can take offsets from the main corms in summer, after the leaves have died back.
How to care for autumn crocus
Once established, autumn crocus do not need any extra care. After the flowers have died back, the leaves will appear in spring and the bulbs will continue flowering for many years.
Pests and diseases
Autumn crocus are generally free from pests and diseases. Occasionally, they may be affected by aphids, snugs, snails and mould.
Advice on buying autumn crocus
- Autumn crocus come in a variety of colours – choose the perfect one for your growing space and colour combinations
- Always check corms for signs of damage or disease before planting, and discard any that are soft or have white mould growing on them
Where to buy autumn crocus
Great autumn crocus varieties to grow
Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ – has double pink-purple flowers that look similar to water lilies, hence the name. It looks particularly good planted under shrubs or trees, or among other herbaceous plants. Height x Spread: 15cm x 10cm
Colchicum ‘Lilac Wonder’ – has simple pink-purple flowers. The large, floppy foliage grows in spring and dies back in the summer. H x S: 15cm x 10cm
Colchicum speciosum – has pink-purple flowers. The flowers appear alone, with the leaves following in spring. It’s ideal for naturalising in grass or at the front of a sunny border. H x S: 20cm x 20cm
Colchicum autumnale ‘Album’ – this is a pure-white form that is easy to grow in sun or dappled shade. As with other types, the leafless flowers appear in autumn and the foliage in the following spring. H x S: 15cm x 10cm
Colchicum speciosum ‘Album’ – the white flowers with green throats appear in autumn and can be quite large, between 6-15cm in height, with the strappy leaves following in spring. H x S: 20cm x 20cm
