Crocus speciosus

Nice Neal

Colchicum Giant

Neal, are either one of your blooms what they call autumn saffron or autumn crocus? Showing my ignorance but as they say - if you got it, flaunt it.

Another shot of Crocus speciosus

Bonnie, Crocus sativus, the saffron crocus is sprouting, but hasn't bloomed yet. I'll post pics when they open. Fall flowering crocus are new to me this year, just planted them in September and so happy to see them blooming! I've had Colchicum 'Giant' for a few years, but added a few others this year as well.

They are beautiful. I planted some of the sativus last fall and a few are coming up. I am going to see if they prosper in my zone before adding more. We get awfully hot and dry. Daffodils do well but most tulips are a 'one bloom wonder'.

Bonnie, from what I've read about them, the hot dry environment shouldn't bother them. I'm doing the same thing, just tried 10 bulbs this year and if they prosper I'll add more- how awesome to harvest our own saffron! It's typical for many hybrid tulips to behave as annuals, but there are some that are known to provide repeat performances.

Thank you Neal. When I was very young my mother grew tulips. They were red and were not too tall nor did the blooms get very big. They kept the traditional tulip shape and came back every year. I miss those in my garden. I am adding more crocus this year. Each year I plant some very early species and then some specific colors in little groups. They are indeed harbingers of spring and are really cheerful in the garden. It is a challenge each year to clear the leaves in the fall so that I will be able to enjoy the early blooms in the spring. A new garden border or path does not seem complete without adding them. Here is a photo of a little tulip that has been in my garden for 20 years. The green always comes up but it only blooms after really cold winters.

Bonnie, Darwin hybrids are some of the classic reds I frequently see returning year after year. The first year the blooms are big, in they're smaller after the bulb splits, and I kind of like that better. When there are blooms of various sizes and heights they just look more graceful to me. If you look for old varieties, you can probably find some very close to those your mother grew. Love that tulip of yours! Is it solid yellow on the outside of the petals too?

Beautiful crocus Neal, what a nice fall treat. I would love to try those here, but between the squirrels and chipmunks, I'm not sure I would get to see them bloom. thanks for sharing your lovely pictures.

I assume they are as attractive to rodents as other crocus, thankfully the cats keep those away here. These are even prettier today, I'm loving them! Next year I'd like to try a couple of other forms of this species that are said to be more blue.

Your photo is beautiful, Neal. If I remember correctly that tulip is only yellow on the outside. It looks demure and modest and then it opens and says 'LOOK AT ME'. At least that is what it says to me. smiles

I'm growing more fond of autumn Crocuses every day, they're making the end of the growing season much easier to deal with C. speciosum is still blooming beautifully, and C. medius and C. sativus are blooming now too.

Crocus medius




Crocus sativus

Cyclamen coum is about to start blooming.

Cyclamen persicum isn't showing buds yet, but the leaves are striking. Each bulb appears to produce leaves with different markings. It is said to be a winter bloomer.

Nice blooms Neal, and I really like the leaf patterns of the Cyclamen.

Annette, this is my first year growing hardy Cyclamen. I've always loved them, but they always seemed pricey to me for something so small, so I had never purchased any till this spring (from Brent and Becky's). The way they grow from the tubers surprised me- rather than having a centralized growth point like most bulbs and tubers do, the leaves and flower buds arise from the soil in various places, some several inches away from the tuber. The effect is of a small clump from a single tuber. Had I realized that, I would have gotten some years ago! Now they seem like a bargain. I had thought it would be like spending a few bucks for a single crocus or snowdrop.

Thanks for sharing your observations, this is one plant I may have to try. Will it survive my zone 7a/7b, and what kind of growing conditions does it prefer?

Annette, they're listed as hardy in zones 6-9, so your area should be well suited for growing them. Partial shade and well drained, humus rich soil is recommended. Various sources say if they're happy, they self sow and eventually form colonies.

I planted a 3rd species this fall, C. hederifolium (ivy leaved Cyclamen). The foliage is particularly lovely on that one.