Autumn GoldItem # 10548
SaffronItem # 10326
ColchicumItem # 23337
Autumn WhiteItem # 10575
The intensity of summer's heat makes it hard to imagine that the time will come when temperatures will cool down and leaves will begin to fall. But, as sure as you're straining to hear the sounds of the ice cream truck down the block, you'll strain to see the buds of fall blooming crocus peep through the first crimson leaves of autumn. The ravages of heat, storms, drought, and humidity make the late summer garden appear so worn out that the freshness of newly emerging fall crocus and colchicum bulbs are a breath of fresh air. One glimpse and you'll suddenly want to bite into a crisp apple, carve a pumpkin, or go on a hayride.
Crocus's and colchicum's spring counterparts may hearken the end of winter, but these Fall gems celebrate the beginning of the harvest, the approach of Thanksgiving, and the season of celebrating nature's more flamboyant colors. 'Autumn Gold' Crocus glows next to the rich red of fallen maple leaves. 'Saffron' Crocus's pale blue petals reflect the colors of autumn's gentle sky and brisk breezes. The vibrant roses, pinks, and mauves of the Colchicums and Crocus 'Autumn Rose' create a riot of color when they emerge at the base of fall blooming asters. The purity of 'Autumn White' Crocus is a deceptive preview of the first dusting of winter snow yet to fall on the forest floor.
The rule of thumb is to plant crocus approximately three inches deep before Columbus Day for their best show this fall. Colchicum can be deeper, up to four inches from the surface of the soil, but must be planted as soon as they arrive. Sweeps of these bulbs create a charming display in partly or mostly sunny gardens where well draining soil helps prevent bulb rot. Humus rich soil amended with sand is ideal for both crocus and colchicum.
