Crocus banaticus is a fall crocus that is hardy throughout the region, into zone 4. Resembling iris in appearance, the light to dark purple blooms begin to bloom in late September. Leaves appear in the spring.
Crocus hadriacticus is another fall crocus which blooms in September into October. Early spring foliage is followed by purple fall flowers. This is hardy into zone 5.
The saffron crocus, or Crocus sativus, is the source of the world's most expensive spice, Saffron. It is purple-flowered, and has brilliant orange stigmas, the source saffron. This is hardy into zone 5. It blooms in late September into October in our region.
Crocus sativus speciosus is one of the earliest of the fall blooming crocus. It is a rapid spreader, and has deep violet-colored flowers. It will grow throughout the Great Lakes Region, into zone 4. 'Albus' is a white form of this crocus, also hardy into zone 4.
The Colchicums are another group of fall crocus. These have larger, crocus-like blooms, and are similar in growth characteristics to the other crocus as well. The difference is in stamen count: The other crocus have three stamens, the colchicums have six. Another important fact: The members of the Colchicum family are poisonous, so do not assume that the stamens or any other part of these plants are safe, they are not! In fact, the Colchicums are used in plant breeding to induce chromosomal changes or mutations. They are also used medicinally. Colchicine, used in treatment of various forms of arthritis, is derived from this group of plants. That aside, Colchicums send out their foiage in the spring, which dies down in the summer. In the fall, the flowers bloom without foliage. They are hardy into zone 5, and can be held over in zone 4 with protected siting and mulch. They must be planted as soon as you purchase or receive them, as they are eager to bloom, often in the bag they arrived in! Two choices to consider are:
Colchicum speciosum 'The Giant' is a large flower with mauve-pink huge blooms. One bulb produces a literal bouquet.
Colchicum speciosum 'Waterlily' has large, pink, waterlily-like blooms. Again, one bulb sends out numerous flowers.
Go To Page: 1 2
