Autumn Crocus Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii
ABOUT
Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii, commonly known as the late crocus, is a bulbous perennial that produces beautiful, cup-shaped flowers. The blossoms of this plant usually come in a range of colors from a deep velvety purple to a softer shade of lavender, often with delicate veining on the petal surface. At the flower's center, you can typically see bright yellow stamens, which provide a stunning contrast to the petal colors. The leaves are narrow, grass-like, and may display a silver central stripe, which adds to the overall elegant appearance of the plant. The foliage emerges either with or shortly after the flowers. These plants typically bloom in the fall, adding a splash of color to the landscape when many other plants are beginning to go dormant. Overall, the late crocus is known for its charming flowers and ability to provide autumn interest in gardens and natural settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Salzmann's Autumn Crocus, Late Crocus
Common names
Crocus nudiflorus subsp. salzmannii, Crocus salzmannii
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Autumn Crocus can be highly toxic to humans if ingested. It contains colchicine, a toxic alkaloid that can lead to severe health issues. Symptoms of Autumn Crocus poisoning include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also cause more severe issues like kidney and liver damage, respiratory failure, and can lead to multi-organ failure or even death if not treated promptly. Medical attention should be sought immediately if any parts of the plant are ingested.
To pets
The Autumn Crocus is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. This plant contains colchicine, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, seizures, and blood in the urine in pets. Ingesting even a small amount can result in severe health effects such as organ damage or potentially be fatal if not treated immediately. If a pet ingests any part of the Autumn Crocus, it is imperative to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 inches (8 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Enhancement - Crocus serotinus brightens gardens and landscapes with its striking violet-purple flowers in autumn.
- Pollinator Attraction - The flowers are a source of nectar, attracting bees and other pollinating insects, thus supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control - As a bulbous plant, it helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion when planted in groups or clusters.
- Seasonal Interest - It adds color and visual interest to gardens during the fall when most other plants are beginning to go dormant.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, requires minimal care, making it a great choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Culinary Use - Although not consumed widely, some crocus species have edible parts (like stigmas forming saffron from Crocus sativus) and might be used in traditional recipes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii, commonly known as Late Crocus, can be used in natural dyeing processes, providing a range of pale yellows to gold colors.
- The corms of Late Crocus could serve as squirrel or rodent feed in wildlife gardens, especially in regions where they are native or have become naturalized.
- Due to their early flowering period, they can be an important source of nectar and pollen for pollinators when not many other plants are in bloom.
- When planted en masse, the Late Crocus can be used to create impressive seasonal landscapes or naturalized drifts that visually signal the change of the seasons.
- The floral parts of the Late Crocus could potentially be used in potpourri or as a natural source of fragrance when dried.
- As an educational tool, planting Late Crocus can be used to demonstrate plant life cycles and bulb growth in botanical studies or school gardens.
- This species can be used in culinary contexts, with its stigmas serving as a substitute for saffron in dishes, albeit less potent.
- Late Crocus, when featured in artwork or photography, can symbolize rebirth and the transition into spring, serving an inspirational purpose.
- Its hardy nature allows it to be used in rock gardens, offering an element of vibrancy among the stones and alpine plants.
- Late Crocus can be strategically planted as ground cover to prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its corm-based rooting system.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Autumn Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Autumn Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Crocus flowers, blooming early in the spring, are often seen as symbols of hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- Youthful Gladness: The crocus's playful colors represent cheerfulness and joy found in youth.
- Renewal: Because they are one of the first flowers to emerge from the cold ground, crocuses are associated with the theme of rebirth and renewal.
WaterThe Autumn Crocus requires moderate watering during its growth period, which typically starts with the fall rains. Water once or twice a week, providing approximately 1 to 2 ounces per plant to keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. As the plant goes dormant, reduce watering significantly until the next fall. During dry autumns, additional water may be necessary to mimic natural rainfall patterns. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightAutumn Crocus thrives best in full sun to partial shade. This plant prefers an open spot that receives a few hours of direct sunlight daily but is shielded from the intense midday sun. Well-lit areas that mimic its natural environment, such as edges of gardens or beneath deciduous trees that allow sunlight through their canopies, are ideal.
TemperatureAutumn Crocus is hardy and can withstand a temperature range from the high 70s to the mid-30s Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures hover between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually occur in its flowering season during the fall. Extreme cold or heat outside of this range can damage the plant, so it is important to ensure it's planted in an area reflecting these conditions.
PruningPruning is not a common requirement for Autumn Crocus, as the plant naturally dies back after flowering and during its dormancy. However, removing spent foliage and flowers can tidy up the plant and help prevent diseases. Prune after the leaves have yellowed and died down, usually done in late fall or early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAutumn Crocus prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost; pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingAutumn Crocuses should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and divide bulbs if necessary.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Crocus thrives best in average humidity levels; they do not require any special humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA.
Life cycleCrocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii, commonly known as Salzmann's autumn crocus, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in the soil, typically in the spring. The seedling develops into a bulb, which is a storage organ that will sustain the plant through dormancy periods. During the growing season, the bulb produces strap-shaped leaves and the plant undergoes vegetative growth. After a period of vegetative growth, the plant enters a dormant phase during the warm summer months when the foliage dies back. In the autumn, the plant breaks dormancy and the bulb sends up a flowering stalk, culminating in the blooming of purple or lilac flowers, which is one of the most distinctive stages of its life cycle. After pollination, often by insects, the plant produces seed capsules, and once the seeds are dispersed, the cycle begins anew with seed germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Crocus serotinus subsp. salzmannii, commonly known as Salzmann's autumn crocus, can be propagated by dividing its corms, which is considered the most popular method. The ideal time for propagation is in the summer, after the foliage has died back, indicating the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, gently lift the corms from the soil, and brush off any excess dirt. You'll find that the main corm may have produced smaller corms or cormlets attached to it. Carefully separate these cormlets from the parent, ensuring that each has a portion of basal plate to stimulate growth. Plant these cormlets around 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) deep and 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil where they can receive full to partial sunlight. The new corms will establish roots and foliage by the next growing season, followed by flowers in the autumn.
