Fall Blooming Crocus

Fall is a wonderful time in the Great Lakes Region. There is a renewed interest in gardening, and many wonderful plants start their bloom season this time of year. One of the most unusual and often underused groups of plants are known as the fall blooming bulbs:

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.

All of these bulbs require a soil that is moisture retentive, not soggy, and absolutely good drainage. Most do well in full sun to light shade. Keep this in mind when choosing an appropriate location for these fall treasures!

August Honey-Do List:

1. Stop fertilizing roses and other woody plantings. This should be stopped by the first of the month in the more northern parts of our region (zone 4), and by no later than the 10th of August in zones 5a to 6a.

2. Continue watering lawns, gardens, and other plantings this month, and continue to do so until the reliable fall showers arrive.

3. Towards the end of the month, new lawns can be started. Old lawns can be rennovated, and overseeding can be done.

4. Shear back any leggy annuals. If they are not producing well or dying, pull them out and replace with fall blooming annuals, such as pansies.

5. Continue to divide and reset German bearded iris. Do this into the first week of the month.

6. Start taking cuttings of coleus, impatiens, geraniums and fuschias for next years plants.

7. Continue planting a fall vegetable garden of fast growing vegetables such as beets, carrots, bush beans, and broccoli.

8. Start buying and planting perennials for next year's gardens.

9. Be on patrol for insect and disease problems. The heat and humidity are added stressors for many plants, and they are susceptible to problems. Use organic controls wherever possible.

10. Continue to order spring flowering bulbs for next year's gardens. The deadline for purchasing fall flowering bulbs is quickly approaching, so be sure to get your order in for these plants without delay!