Fall-Blooming Bulbs

Colchicum is a fall-blooming bulb that adds a splash of color to the autumn landscape.

By Charlie Nardozzie

Although October is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocus, you should also consider planting bulbs that bloom in summer and fall. Most gardeners know that summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies, gladiolus (corms), and dahlias (tubers) are planted in spring for a mid- to late-summer bloom, depending on the region. However, fewer gardeners realize there are fall-blooming bulbs as well. These bulbs are a great way to add a splash of color to your garden and landscape while the leaves are dropping and the dominant color in the yard is brown. Here are two fall-blooming bulbs to consider for your yard.

Colchicum

This brightly colored fall bulb produces 3- to 8-inch-diameter, waterlily-shaped flowers in a vibrant lavender, lilac, or white color. The flowers emerge in fall without any leaves, adding to the dramatic effect. Plant colchicums in late summer and they will send up their flowers a few weeks later. Colchicums have the unique characteristic of blooming while dormant. This trait makes them an easy bulb to force indoors in late fall, too. They are hardy to USDA Zone 4. In spring the leaves emerge to rejuvenate the bulb. Colchicums grow best on well-drained dry soils and look great mixed in densely packed clumps in a perennial garden or under shrubs.

Saffron crocus

While most gardeners think of crocus as one of the first bulbs to bloom in spring, the fall crocus, or saffron crocus, is a fall bloomer. The lavender-colored flowers produce the famous saffron spice. The thread of saffron is the female part, or stigma, of the flower. It takes hundreds of individual crocus flowers to make enough spice for sale. That's why saffron is so expensive. However, you can grow your own saffron bulbs. Saffron crocus is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. In colder areas you'll have to dig the bulbs after they flower in fall and store them in an unheated basement or garage. Replant in spring.