Autumn Crocus

How to grow Autumn Crocus

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant the corms in late summer, about 10 cm deep — they arrive in July or August and will flower within weeks, sometimes before you get them in the ground. Naturalise them in grass or plant among low groundcover, which supports the naked flower stems and stops them being splashed with soil.

Pruning

None. The large, coarse leaves appear in spring, long after the flowers, and must be left until they yellow in early summer.

Propagation

Lift and divide congested clumps in summer while dormant, replanting immediately.

Pests and diseases

Slugs and snails damage the fragile autumn flowers, especially in wet weather. Otherwise trouble-free.

Value to wildlife

Provides late-season nectar for bees still flying in warm autumn weather.

Notes

The spring foliage is much bigger than people expect and swamps small neighbours for two months — plan for it rather than being surprised by it. This plant is well known to be poisonous in all its parts, and gardeners should check its toxicity before planting where children or pets have access; it is not related to true saffron, which comes from Crocus sativus.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Colchicum autumnale but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Colchicum