Showy autumn crocus

Colchicum speciosum

Caucasian colchicum with larger goblet-shaped flowers than the European species, in deep rose-pink with a white throat. The most spectacular of the autumn-flowering colchicums.

Hardiness ratings

Showy autumn crocus hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–9 −34.4 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–4 −15 °C to 5 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Flowers September–October — autumn equinox marker, even later than C. autumnale
  • Larger and more vigorous than C. autumnale — naturalises well in grass
  • Leaves appear in spring, die away by midsummer

Pet caution: Showy autumn crocus is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Showy autumn crocus against your zones

Reference

Showy autumn crocus on Wikipedia