A time-tested basis for humor is the unexpected twist to a
story. This is true of fall blooming crocus that strike viewers as a familiar
flower blooming in what seems like the wrong season.
Technically members of the iris family, there are about 30 species of
crocus that bloom in fall and winter. Hybridizers have concentrated on
the familiar spring-blooming crocus that now outnumber the fall bloomers.
Fall-blooming crocus are reliable jewels sure to thrive in any garden.
The bulbs, technically called corms, are planted during the brief July
and August dormant period. All crocus mentioned here are hardy to USDA
zone four.
The saffron crocus is the most familiar due to its history of culinary,
dye, and medicinal uses. It's also the most commonly available species.
The broad, six- to twelve-inch long leaves grow briefly in the spring and
then die by midsummer. In the fall, leafless flower stalks rise to produce
clusters of flaring, four-inch purple flowers. A white variety is also
available.
Other fall-flowering crocus species include goulimyi, kotschyanus,
medius,
pulchellus, ochroleucus, and speciosus. You can obtain
these less commonly available species from mail-order bulb companies. They
also might be available at local garden centers and nurseries.
Plant fall-flowering crocus eight inches deep in well-drained soil in
July or August. Add sharp gravel around the corms to deter rodents. Because
these corms can be planted so deeply, you can plant ground covers or other
plants with an open nature over them. As they poke through in the autumn,
the flowers can accent the contrasting color foliage.
See also:
Bulbs: alliums
Bulbs: bed preparation
Bulbs: colchicum
Bulbs: fertilizing
Bulbs: maintaining
Bulbs: selecting
Bulbs: spring flowering
Bulbs: summer flowering
Painting by Pio Carlone
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