Colchicum agrippinum (Autumn Crocus)

Award-winning Colchicum agrippinum is an early fall-blooming Colchicum which bears crocus-shaped, checkered flowers, 5 in. long (12 cm), with purple-pink checks.

Award-winning Colchicum agrippinum is an early fall-blooming Colchicum which bears crocus-shaped, checkered flowers, 5 in. long (12 cm), with purple-pink checks. Appearing long before the leaves, this perennial makes a truly unique display in the fall garden. Resembling crocuses, it produces its 6-inch strap-shaped, slightly wavy, blue-green leaves, way later, in spring. Ridiculously easy to grow, all parts of this plant are poisonous, therefore it is diligently ignored by hungry deer, rabbits, and other critters.

  • Growing up to 4-6 inches tall (10-15 cm) and 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), this Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade.
  • Stunning in front of shrubs, among low-growing perennials, woodlands, meadows, around patios or along walkways
  • Generally disease free. Watch for slugs.
  • To be planted 3 in. deep (8 cm) and 6 in. apart (15 cm) in late summer for bloom the same year in fall.
  • Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in an open frame when ripe or separate corms when dormant in summer.
  • All parts are highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Colchicum – Autumn Crocuses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 4"
– 6"
(10cm
– 15cm)
Spread 3"
– 4"
(7cm
– 10cm)
Spacing 6″ (15cm)
Depth 3"
(7cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Pathways, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage