White Autumn Crocus Crocus speciosus 'Albus'
ABOUT
Crocus speciosus 'Albus', commonly known as the white autumn crocus, presents a stunning visual with its delicate, pristine white flowers. This variety showcases a striking contrast with its rich, violet-purple counterparts, offering a more subdued yet equally enchanting option for garden enthusiasts. The petals exhibit a slender and elongated form, gracefully cupping inwards, which gives the bloom an elegant chalice-like shape. At the center of each flower, contrasting yellow to light orange stamens emerge, drawing the eye and adding a pop of color to the otherwise pure white floral display. The foliage is slender, grass-like, and unassuming, often a rich green, allowing the flowers themselves to take center stage in the plant's appearance. The white autumn crocus blooms in the fall, signaling the change of seasons with its showy yet refined blossoms, and adds a bright, luminous touch to gardens and landscapes without revealing any specific dimensions regarding its size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
White Autumn Crocus, White Specie Crocus, White Fall Crocus, Albino Autumn Crocus
Common names
Crocus albus, Crocus speciosus var. albus.
ToxicityTo humans
Autumn Crocus (Crocus speciosus 'Albus') is considered toxic to humans. If ingested, it contains compounds that can cause serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious effects such as organ damage and potentially life-threatening conditions due to its colchicine content. Medical attention should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Autumn Crocus (Crocus speciosus 'Albus') is also toxic to pets and can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially severe complications such as kidney, liver, or heart failure due to its colchicine content. Ingestion of any part of this plant can be extremely dangerous to pets, and immediate veterinary care is essential if a pet is suspected of consuming any part of the autumn crocus.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Crocus speciosus 'Albus', commonly known as Autumn crocus, has showy white flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens in autumn.
- Low Maintenance: Autumn crocus is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Autumn crocus is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas prone to drought.
- Cold Hardy: This plant can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates, including cooler regions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Autumn crocus attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem.
- Naturalizing: Autumn crocus has the ability to spread and naturalize in an area, creating a charming, natural look over time.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in the fall, the Autumn crocus provides color and interest to the garden during a season when many other plants are declining.
- Compact Size: The small size of the Autumn crocus makes it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or small spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Autumn Crocus can be used as a natural dye source, imparting a range of hues to fabrics depending on the mordant used.
- In traditional crafts, the petals of the Autumn Crocus may be incorporated into potpourri blends for their color and mild fragrance.
- The Autumn Crocus, when dried, can serve as a subtle decorative element in botanical art or pressed flower arrangements.
- Gardening enthusiasts might use the Autumn Crocus within educational projects to explore bulb propagation and seasonal growth cycles.
- The distinct shape of the Autumn Crocus may inspire artists and designers when creating nature-based patterns or motifs for textiles and wallpaper.
- Photographers often feature Autumn Crocus in their work to capture the beauty of early fall landscapes and ephemeral natural phenomena.
- Eco-friendly celebrations or events may use Autumn Crocus flowers as biodegradable confetti or natural table decorations.
- This plant can play a role in companion planting strategies to help naturally deter certain pests from more vulnerable crops or plants.
- Autumn Crocus bulbs can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant life cycles and the changing seasons.
- Bulb enthusiasts might collect various cultivars of the Autumn Crocus as a hobby, focusing on their different characteristics and bloom times.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Crocuses, including Crocus speciosus 'Albus', often symbolize hope due to their early blooming. They are one of the first flowers to emerge in late winter or early spring, signaling the end of the cold season and the promise of renewal and growth.
- Youthful Gladness: Their delicate and vibrant appearance is commonly associated with joy and cheerfulness found in youth.
- Rebirth: This plant is associated with rebirth and new beginnings as it emerges from the ground at a time when nature begins to awaken from winter's sleep.
- Purity: The 'Albus' variety, with its pure white flowers, emphasizes the symbolism of purity and innocence.
- Chastity: Throughout history, white flowers, including the white Crocus speciosus 'Albus', have been associated with chastity and restraint.
WaterThe Autumn Crocus should be watered sparingly; it is essential to avoid overwatering. Provide light watering once a week during active growth, ensuring the soil is slightly moist. When the plant is dormant, reduce watering to every few weeks, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. A fixed amount guideline would be approximately 8-16 ounces every week during the growth phase, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions.
LightAutumn Crocus flourishes in a spot with full to partial sunlight. The ideal location would allow for morning sun and some afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, simulating the light conditions of its natural woodland habitat. Avoid placing it in dense shade, as this can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureAutumn Crocus thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F during its growing season. It is hardy in cooler conditions, capable of surviving winter temperatures down to 20°F. To encourage flowering, a period of cold dormancy is required, usually below 50°F.
PruningPruning of the Autumn Crocus is generally not required as it is a bulb plant that dies back naturally. Deadheading or removing spent flowers can encourage bulb health. Once foliage has yellowed and died back, it can be removed; usually, this happens once a year after the growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilAutumn Crocus requires well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter, aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 to promote optimal growth.
RepottingAutumn Crocus bulbs should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and give them room to multiply.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Crocus thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations when planted outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Autumn Crocus near bright light and cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Autumn Crocus 'Albus' begins with the germination of a corm, a bulb-like storage organ, which sprouts in the fall. After germination, it develops narrow, strap-like leaves and tall, white flowers that emerge without foliage, typically blooming in late summer or autumn. Following pollination, the leaves grow through the winter, during which the plant photosynthesizes and stores energy in the corm for the next cycle. Once the blooming period is over, the plant goes dormant, and the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer. Throughout dormancy, the corm rests underground until the next fall when it produces new blooms and the cycle repeats. Offsets, or cormlets, may form around the base of the parent corm, allowing the plant to slowly spread over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Early autumn
The Crocus speciosus 'Albus', commonly known as the "Showy Crocus," is typically propagated through the division of corms. The best time to propagate this plant is in the summer when the plant is dormant, after the foliage has yellowed and died back. To propagate, carefully dig up the corms and gently separate any small cormlets that have formed attached to the larger parent corms. Replant these cormlets at least 3 inches (approximately 7.5 centimeters) apart and at a depth of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in well-drained soil with some exposure to sunlight. Water the newly planted cormlets sparingly until they begin to show growth to prevent rot. Over the following season, these cormlets will mature into flowering plants, perpetuating the cycle of growth.
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