Botanical Name

Colchicum autumnale

Commonly known as Colchicum

Colchicum autumnale (Colchicum)
Bulb

Crocus-like blooms appear in fall on bare stems without leaves. Plant them and forget them, they will surprise you every September.

Quick Reference
Bloom Season
Sep to Oct
USDA Zones
4-9
Sun
Full Sun or Part Sun
Water
Moderate - regular watering
Mature Height
4-8"
Bloom Colors
PurplePinkWhite
Deer Resistant Low Maintenance
Read the full Colchicum growing guide →

Companion plants, planting tips, FAQ, and more

About This Name

Colchicum autumnale is the scientific name used by botanists, nurseries, and seed catalogs to identify Colchicum unambiguously. The genus Colchicum places it within a specific plant family, and using the botanical name avoids the confusion that comes with regional common names. If you're shopping for Colchicum, looking up plant care details, or comparing varieties, searching by Colchicum autumnale will give you the most precise results.