What: Colchicum autumnale, commonly called the autumn crocus, is a star in early autumn, when large, vase-shaped lavender-pink blooms burst from the ground to provide a splash of brilliant color. This enduring bulb has broad strappy and shiny green foliage in late winter through spring, but goes dormant for the summer. Then, before the leaves emerge again, the flowers push through the soil and bloom in late September to early October. Although commonly referred to as autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale is not closely related to true crocus.
Where: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun.
Size: Grows to 1 foot high by 6 inches wide in 10 years.
Care: Drought-tolerant once established. In winter, the strappy green leaves appear and can be cut back in early summer once they start to yellow.
— greatplantpicks.org
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