Fall Crocus Crocus speciosus 'Cassiope'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant known commonly as the Fall Crocus or Specious Crocus presents with strikingly beautiful flowers that are sure to catch the eye. Each individual flower is typically a deep, rich shade of violet or lavender with delicate veining that adds to their intricate appearance. The petals are long, slender, and gently taper to a point, giving the blooms an elegant and refined look. At the center of the flower, the stamens contrast with brightly colored yellow or orange, adding a dash of vibrant color against the cooler tones of the petals. This juxtaposition makes the flowers particularly eye-catching. The Fall Crocus's foliage is slender and grass-like, with a soft green hue that complements the boldness of the blooms. Displaying a modest and natural charm, the overall appearance of the Fall Crocus is of refined simplicity and quiet splendor. It carries an aura of the changing seasons and is often associated with the beauty of early autumn. The leaves and blooms both radiate with grace, creating an alluring addition to any garden display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Showy Crocus, Speciosus Crocus, Cassiope Crocus
- Common names
  Crocus speciosus 'Cassiope'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Crocus speciosus 'Cassiope', commonly known as Fall Crocus, is not known to be significantly toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation on its toxicity, suggesting that ingestion of the plant may not result in serious harm. However, mistaking it for the highly toxic Colchicum autumnale, also known as Autumn Crocus, could lead to severe poisoning. Therefore, ingestion of unknown plants should be avoided.
- To pets
  Fall Crocus is not specifically listed as toxic to pets. However, it's worth noting that pets sometimes have sensitivities to plants that don't affect humans in the same way. To err on the side of caution, it's usually advised to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe. If a pet does ingest Fall Crocus and shows signs of illness, it would be prudent to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Violet
- Height
  3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm)
- Spread
  2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Turkey

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Adds vibrant and attractive blue-purple colors to gardens during late summer and autumn months.
- Easy to Grow: It's a low maintenance plant that's suitable for novice gardeners.
- Cold Resistance: Capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, which conserves water and reduces maintenance.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Naturalizing: It can spread over time to create natural drifts of color in the landscape.
- Compact Size: Due to its small size, it's perfect for planting in rock gardens, border fronts, or containers.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be damaged by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest during a time when few other plants are in bloom.
- Companion Planting: Complements other autumn-blooming perennials and bulbs in garden design.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Clothing Dye: The stigmas of the autumn crocus can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, imbuing them with a unique and vibrant color.
- Photography: The vibrant colors of the autumn crocus can be used by photographers as a subject for macro photography to capture the intricate details of the flower.
- Garden Design: Autumn crocus can be used in moon gardens, where their light-colored blooms are specifically chosen to glow in the moonlight and create a serene night-time garden space.
- Ink Production: The petals of the autumn crocus can be used to create a natural ink for art or calligraphy, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic inks.
- Fragrance Industry: Even though the autumn crocus is not widely known for its scent, its subtle fragrance can be extracted for use in crafting perfumes or scented candles.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers can serve as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color to dishes, but should be used with caution as only certain parts are edible.
- Flower Arranging: The distinctive appearance of the autumn crocus makes it a popular choice for florists and those interested in the art of flower arranging.
- Art Subjects: Artists may use the autumn crocus as a subject in their botanical illustrations or as inspiration in various forms of visual art due to its unique and striking appearance.
- Educational Use: The plant can be used as a teaching tool in horticultural classes to demonstrate bulbous plant growth or seasonal flowering patterns.
- Symbolic Gift: In some cultures, the autumn crocus may carry symbolic meaning and can be given as a gift to represent hope or a connection to nature.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Hope: The crocus often blooms at the end of winter, symbolizing hope and the promise of upcoming spring.
- Youthful gladness: Its early appearance and bright colors are reminiscent of youth and joy.
- Cheerfulness: The vivid colors of crocuses bring cheer to dull late-winter landscapes.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, the crocus represents new beginnings and rebirth.
- Affection: The crocus can symbolize the care and love shared between family and friends, blooming when the warmth of relationships is needed most.

💧

Every 2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
The Autumn Crocus requires moderate watering during the growth and blooming period, usually in the fall. Provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; this may equate to about 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. During the dormant period in summer, reduce watering substantially, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, since overwatering can lead to bulb rot. Always water at the soil level to avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers, and use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.
Light
Autumn Crocus thrives in full sun to partial shade exposure. The ideal spot for planting Crocus speciosus 'Cassiope' would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in areas with very hot summers. Sufficient light is important for the plant to develop strong blooms.
Temperature
Autumn Crocus prefers a temperate climate with seasonal variations. It can survive winter temperatures down to around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally, it should not be exposed to prolonged periods below this temperature. During its growth period in the cooler parts of fall, the plant enjoys temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat during summer dormancy is typically well-tolerated as long as the bulbs are not sitting in moist soil.
Pruning
Pruning the Autumn Crocus is generally not necessary, as the plant has a short growth period and dies back on its own. After flowering, allow the leaves to die back naturally; they provide the energy needed for the bulb to bloom the following season. You can remove spent flowers if desired to keep the plant looking tidy, but leave the foliage intact until it yellows. The best time for any clean-up is late spring or early summer when the leaves have fully yellowed and dried.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Autumn Crocus prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and compost or peat moss would be ideal to ensure good drainage and provide necessary nutrients.
Repotting
Autumn Crocuses typically do not need regular repotting; they can be left undisturbed for several years. When clumps become overcrowded, usually after 4-5 years, they should be lifted, divided, and replanted in fresh soil.
Humidity & Misting
Autumn Crocus thrives in average humidity levels. There is no need for high humidity; standard room humidity is generally adequate for this plant, avoiding excessively dry or damp conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light; ensure cool temp.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Crocus speciosus 'Cassiope', commonly known as the Showy Crocus, begins with the corms, which are underground storage organs that survive through the winter. In the spring, the corms sprout and grow into leafy plants, while also developing the buds that will turn into distinctive showy flowers. After flowering, typically in early autumn, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis to gather energy, which is stored in the corm for the next season. Once the leaves die back late in the season, the plant enters a period of dormancy throughout the winter months. During the dormancy period, the corm divides, forming daughter corms that will grow into new plants in the following year. Finally, with the arrival of suitable growing conditions such as warmer temperatures and wetter soil in spring, the cycle begins anew with the emergence of sprouts from the corms.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Early Fall
- The Autumn Crocus, specifically Crocus speciosus 'Cassiope', is typically propagated by dividing corms. The ideal time for this is in the summer, when the plant is dormant. To propagate, one should carefully lift the clump of corms from the ground and separate them gently. Only healthy and unblemished corms should be selected for replanting. These corms are then best planted at a depth of 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) in well-drained soil, ideally in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The corms should be spaced about 3 inches (about 7.5 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Within a few weeks in the right conditions, these corms will develop roots and begin the growth cycle, leading to new plant development in the following season.