Autumn crocus (Crocus longiflorus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Autumn crocus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Iridaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Autumn crocus
Crocus longiflorus, also known as the autumn crocus, is a charming bulbous plant that blooms in autumn, revealing delicate lilac to purple flowers with bright orange stigmas. Its flowers emerge directly from the ground before the leaves, creating a vibrant display in rockeries, borders, or naturalized under deciduous trees. It's ideal for adding an unexpected splash of color to the garden when most other plants have already finished flowering.
Native range
Central and eastern Mediterranean region (Italy, Balkans, Greece, Turkey)
Care tips
It prefers full sun to light partial shade, especially in warmer climates, and well-drained, sandy soil. Water moderately during the active growing period in autumn and winter if rainfall is scarce, but reduce watering drastically in summer when it is dormant. Ensure the substrate is never waterlogged to prevent bulb rot. A common mistake is planting it in heavy, poorly drained soils, which can lead to the loss of the plant.