Scientific Name: Colchicum autamanale
Other Common Names: Meadow Saffron
During the fall, naked ladies like to make their appearances in the garden! Referring to the Autumn Crocus, this one of the more popular fall-flowering bulbs. The cheeky name, Naked Lady, comes from the fact that these flowers will emerge from the ground without leaves during the fall months. They can be identified by their globet-shaped flowers blooming on bare stems.
Naked ladies are known for their large, showy flowers, which are available in shades of pink, purple and white. These flowers, native to Europe and North Africa, can be found growing in the meadows.
These flowers would be ideal for a rock garden or amongst other low-growing plants. Naked ladies prefer sunny but sheltered locations, along with fertile, well-drained soils for the best growing conditions.
Interestingly, the Autumn Crocus is not at all related to the spring flowering crocus, which is related to the iris family. In addition, the spring crocus is harmless, while the Autumn Crocus is poisonous to both animals and humans. It contains colchincine, a deadly toxin. Needless to say, this flower isn’t edible and harvesting them as cut flowers isn’t recommended!
In the language of flowers, the Autumn Crocus symbolizes “My best days are gone! I’m growing old.”
Climate Zones: 4-9
At one of the awesome gardens I visited, I was tickled to see a clump of autumn crocus blooming beneath some trees. This look alike of the true crocus provides a burst of brilliance in the fall just when you need it. Spring crocus are actually members of the iris family while autumn crocus or colchicum autumnale are members of the lily family. Native to the Mediterranean area and parts of Asia, they make dazzling patches of amethyst, mauve or white flowers in partial shade or full sun. The blooms last for a couple of weeks in late summer and early fall and the bulbs naturalize easily. These bulbs are also called meadow saffron but it is from one of their close relatives that expensive saffron spice is harvested.