The flowers look just like a crocus but only show up in the fall which explains its common name, autumn crocus. It is actually a Colchicum, a plant that is unrelated to the true crocus.
Colchicum Autumnale
Colchicum autumnale – The Life Cycle Explained
Colchicum autumnale, commonly called the fall crocus has one of the most unusual life cycles of any plant in my garden. It flowers with no leaves and it’s seeds are stored underground for part of the year. In a given gardening season it flowers first, then rests, and then makes leaves. This is one mixed up plant that has developed a very unique and interesting life cycle.
When should you move the corms – they are not bulbs? When can you collect the seed? Important information like this becomes clear once you understand how Colchicum autumnale grows – their life cycle.
