Autumn Crocus (Crocus speciosus)

Autumn Crocus: The Jewel of the Fall Garden

The Autumn Crocus (Crocus speciosus), also called Fall Crocus, is one of the largest and showiest autumn-flowering crocuses. In September-October, it produces large, goblet-shaped, violet-blue to lilac flowers with brilliant orange stigmas and yellow anthers on naked stems (foliage appears in spring). The flowers are weather-resistant and open wide in sun.

Naturalizing in Grass

Plant corms in late summer/early autumn in well-drained soil, full sun to light shade. It naturalizes beautifully in lawns, under deciduous trees, and in rock gardens. The spring foliage is grass-like and dies back by early summer. Synonym: Crocus speciosus subsp. speciosus. A reliable, long-lived bulb for autumn color.

Taxonomy

• Family: Iridaceae
• Genus: Crocus
• Species: speciosus
• Synonym: Crocus speciosus subsp. speciosus