Following a period of severe drought, gardens across various regions are beginning to recover, revealing both the toll of the dry conditions and early signs of renewal. Many typically drought-resistant plants showed unexpected damage this summer, with species such as thistly acanthus losing their characteristic glossy leaves by August, and low-growing epimediums suffering from scorched, brown foliage. Gardeners are advised to prune back the damaged parts to encourage fresh growth as the wetter conditions take hold.

Among the most encouraging symbols of recovery are autumn-flowering corm plants, notably autumn crocuses and colchicums. Autumn crocuses, including the well-known Crocus speciosus, are widely available in garden centers and valued for their vibrant late-season blooms. These flowers, often sky blue with yellow anthers, typically emerge within three weeks of planting corms in sunny soil and can naturalize under lawns. A white variant, speciosus albus, featuring slightly longer stems and subtle yellow markings at the base of white flowers, is particularly prized by gardeners.

Wild populations of autumn crocuses thrive in regions such as Greece and parts of Turkey, where their blooming season spans the early autumn months. Notably, in Krokos, northwest Greece, local cooperatives cultivate saffron crocus farms. This species requires rich soil and typically remains productive for up to seven years in the same location. Saffron crocus corms are available for purchase and can be integrated into garden beds, though they are unsuitable for dry or gritty soils or beneath lawns. The valuable culinary saffron derives from the plant’s red stigmas, which must be harvested in large quantities.

The late EA Bowles, a prominent figure in the study and cultivation of crocuses and colchicums, notably developed numerous seedlings and hybrids at his garden in Myddelton House, Enfield, Middlesex. While the garden declined after his death in 1954, restoration efforts by the EA Bowles of Myddelton House Society have revived parts of the collection. The garden, located near Junction 25 of the M25 motorway, remains open daily and showcases growing displays of autumn crocuses and colchicums.

Interest in colchicums has been renewed by a recent book edited by Christopher Grey-Wilson for the Royal Horticultural Society, with contributions from alpine plant growers Rod Leeds and Robert Rolfe. This comprehensive work explores the botanical distinctions between colchicums and crocuses, noting that colchicums have six tepals and larger, differently shaped corms. The book documents 104 colchicum species found from the south of France to the Himalayas, including spring-flowering varieties best grown under glass in cooler climates.

Colchicums often go unnoticed in busy gardening schedules, as their flowering and leaf growth cycles do not coincide with those of more common bulbs like narcissi. They are best planted in early August to avoid damage to emerging shoots. Outdoors, autumn-flowering species such as colchicum autumnale and speciosum perform well when planted in groups and scattered across large lawns or flower beds.

The plants’ toxicity is an important consideration; colchicums are poisonous if ingested due to the presence of colchicine. This risk extends to domestic animals, though opinions vary regarding the severity of poisoning in pets. While Grey-Wilson’s volume does not address pet safety, other sources warn that ingestion of colchicum parts can be fatal, especially to cats. Historically, farmers eradicated wild colchicums to protect livestock. Gardeners working with these plants are advised to wear gloves to prevent skin irritation from corm juices. In larger garden spaces, the risk to pets is generally considered low, but caution is recommended in smaller, pet-accessible areas, where raised beds may provide safer containment.

For those interested, Pottertons Nursery in Nettleton, Lincolnshire, is hosting a bulb open day featuring a selection of colchicum corms, including the autumnale cultivar ‘Nancy Lindsay’. Inspirational plantings of colchicums can also be viewed at sites such as Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and the botanical garden in Gothenburg, Sweden, where carefully curated collections display the diversity and allure of these autumn bloomers.