Autumnale Album Colchicum

Colchicum autumnale ‘Album’

White Autumn Crocus produces large goblet-shaped white flowers that emerge directly from the ground in autumn. Its foliage appears only the following spring.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
1 corm
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
Zone 4

Discover the plant

Common nameWhite Autumn Crocus
FamilyColchicaceae
GenusColchicum
TypeCorm
Botanical nameColchicum autumnale ‘Album’

White Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale ‘Album’) is a corm-forming perennial prized for its rare and luminous autumn bloom. From September to October, large goblet-shaped white flowers, sometimes delicately flushed with pink at the base, emerge directly from the ground and provide an elegant contrast against the warm colours of late-season gardens. Growing 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) tall, this graceful plant adds subtle beauty to borders and naturalistic plantings. Its broad, bright green foliage appears only the following spring before disappearing in early summer. Hardy to Zone 4, it returns reliably in Quebec when grown in well-drained soil.

Plant the corms in late summer or early autumn, approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep and 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart. Choose a location in full sun to partial shade with rich, loose soil that remains moist during spring while providing excellent drainage throughout the year. Water lightly after planting, then moderately while the spring foliage is developing. Once the leaves yellow and die back, greatly reduce watering to respect the plant's natural summer dormancy. Always allow the foliage to wither naturally, as it replenishes the corm's energy reserves for the following autumn's bloom.

White Autumn Crocus is an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, open woodland areas, and naturalistic gardens, where its pristine flowers extend seasonal interest well beyond the end of summer. Pair it with hardy cyclamen, Japanese anemones, ferns, and hostas to create refined and balanced autumn displays. Its late-season flowers also provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators that remain active in autumn. However, this plant is grown strictly for ornamental purposes. All parts of the plant are highly toxic and must never be consumed or confused with true autumn crocuses.

Colchicum autumnale ‘Album’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques blancs aux étamines jaunes. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Planting guide

Plant well.Grow beautifully.

Planting depth

10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in)

Best planting time

Late Summer to Fall

Propagation

Propagate by dividing the corms after several years when clumps become overcrowded.

Growing method

Plant the corms 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep in rich, loose, well-drained soil. Space them 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade where the soil remains moist in spring but drier during summer. Water lightly after planting. Allow the spring foliage to yellow naturally so the corm can replenish its energy reserves. Colonies gradually expand over time.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Minimum temperature

-34°C (-30°F)

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water lightly while the spring foliage is developing, then greatly reduce watering during summer dormancy.

Soil type

Rich, loose soil that remains moist in spring and drains exceptionally well.

Fertilization

Apply compost in spring or use a light bulb fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage development.

Seasonal care

Allow the foliage to yellow naturally before removing it. Avoid excessive winter moisture and disturb the corms only when necessary.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

25 cm (10 in)
Container gardening requires planning for the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a planting medium suited to the plant. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding plants to fill the pot immediately. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture level, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate from the outset. Hardy up to Zone 4, it reliably returns in Quebec in well-drained soil. Plant the corms in late summer or early autumn, about 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep, spacing them 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart. Choose a location in full sun or partial shade in rich, loose, moist soil in spring, and perfectly drained. Water lightly after planting, then moderately during the development of spring foliage. When the foliage yellows and disappears, significantly reduce watering to respect summer dormancy. In winter, protect the container according to the plant's needs: its roots are more exposed to cold than when planted in the ground.
Colchicum autumnale ‘Album’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques blancs aux étamines jaunes. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Width / spread

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Flower color

Pure white

Foliage color

Bright green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom period

Large white flowers emerge directly from the ground in autumn and provide nectar for the last active pollinators of the season.
Colchicum autumnale ‘Album’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques blancs aux étamines jaunes. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Hardy cyclamen, Japanese anemones, ferns, and hostas make excellent companion plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should White Autumn Crocus ‘Album’ be planted?
Plant the corms in late summer or early fall so they can establish quickly and produce flowers the same autumn.
Is this plant hardy?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 4 and returns reliably every autumn when grown in well-drained soil.
Is White Autumn Crocus edible?
No. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. Never consume it or confuse it with true crocuses.
Why does the foliage appear in spring?
The spring foliage replenishes the corm after autumn flowering. Allow it to yellow naturally before removing it.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes. Its late flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators that remain active in autumn.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.