autumn crocus
Colchicum cilicicum
Overview
The Autumn Crocus (Colchicum cilicicum) is an amazing plant species that is perfect for adding a burst of color to lawns and gardens during the cooler months. This perennial bulb produces beautiful lavender and purple petals that fan outward from the central cluster. Its nodding flowers, which look like crocuses, produce bright blooms with darker stripes running up the center of the petals. It is also a low maintenance plant, requiring minimal water and maintenance to keep it at its best. The Autumn Crocus brings a beautiful display of colors during the autumn, and its ability to thrive in cooler climates make it a powerful addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Autumn Crocus requires moderate watering. Water the plant until the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. During the autumn months, water your Autumn Crocus once per week, allowing the soil to partially dry out before the next watering. During the winter months, water the plant once every 2 weeks. In the spring, increase the watering to once per week again as the plant resumes active growth. Make sure to water at the soil level, and not directly on the leaves, to avoid fungal growth.
Light
Autumn crocus (Colchicum cilicicum) requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day during its active growing season. It should be planted in a location that receives full sun in the morning and/or late afternoon with some partial shade in the hottest part of the day. The plant will benefit from indirect light the rest of the day. During the cooler months, autumn crocus can tolerate full sun all day long.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–8.
Pruning
Autumn crocus (Colchicum cilicicum) should be pruned in late winter. Pruning should be done when the crocus plants have finished producing blooms, or just as their blooms are fading. Care should be taken to avoid cutting back the leaves, as they are necessary for energy production. Prune the stems back to a few inches above the ground level. This will promote healthy new growth in the fall. It's also important to remove any dead foliage or debris from around the base of the plants. After pruning, add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help conserve soil moisture and maintain soil fertility.
Propagation
Cormlet Propagation, Seed Propagation, Offsets, Leaf Cutting
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