Autumn crocus (Colchicum roseum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Autumn crocus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Colchicaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Autumn crocus
Colchicum roseum, also known as 'Rose Pajamaflower', is a bulbous perennial valued for its delicate rose-mauve flowers that emerge directly from the ground in autumn, without foliage, creating a striking effect. Its cup-shaped blooms, often with a white center, make a charming addition to rock gardens, path edges, or under deciduous trees and shrubs, where their late flowering provides a splash of color as most other plants are fading.
Native range
Europe and North Africa
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun to light partial shade and well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Water moderately during autumn flowering if the weather is dry, but avoid waterlogging as the corms are prone to rot. Allow the foliage (which appears in spring) to fully develop and die back naturally to allow the corm to store energy for the next bloom, and avoid disturbing established corms as they dislike being moved.
How to save a dying Autumn crocus
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or soft leaves, basal rot, no autumn flowering.
- First aid
- Remove rotten bulbs, repot in well-draining substrate. Reduce watering.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in summer (dormancy). Poor soil drainage.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot is not too advanced and watering is corrected.