Autumn crocus

A delightful autumn-flowering bulb, Autumn crocus (Colchicum byzantinum) produces striking chalice-shaped, rosy-purple flowers without leaves in late summer and autumn. These robust blooms naturalise well in grass or under deciduous trees, providing a welcome splash of colour as other plants fade. Its leaves emerge in spring before dying back in summer.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained loam, sand, or chalk.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Sep, Oct, Nov.