Autumn crocuses - the last bright notes of the season of flowering plants
Everyone knows that crocuses are spring primroses, because they are among the first to bloom. Did you know that there are autumn crocuses giving their tender bells in late autumn? Along with chrysanthemums, they close the season, preparing the garden for winter. And again the fallen foliage, but not last year's, but fresh, becomes a favorable background for bright buds.
Autumn crocuses: the most beautiful varieties
Such crocuses will delight with delicate inflorescences on a cool autumn day:
- Banatsky. Tall peduncles (up to 14 cm) end with light lilac bells. In this case, the stigmas are of a more intense, lilac color, and the anthers are contrasting, yellow. Blooms in the first half of September.
- Pallas. The bush is two times lower than the Banat, only 6 cm tall, with a pink-purple perianth. The base of the bell is purple, and the veins are the same color. Flowering occurs in the second half of September.
- Beautiful. One of the tallest species: the height of the peduncle can reach 18 cm. It blooms in September. Fully lives up to its name due to the rich dark purple color of the fragrant flowers. However, there are varieties with a different color: white Albus, blue Cassiope, blue Oxonion, lilac Artabir.
- Pretty. It features almost rounded petals and stripes. The color can be different, from watercolor white to purple. Blooms in September-October.
- Sharoyan. The only yellow crocus among the autumn, with wide leaves. Blooms in late September - early October.
- Valley. The height of the peduncle is 12 cm, while the flowers themselves reach half this value. They are pale milky in color with barely noticeable pinkish touches. Blooms in mid-September.
Features of growing autumn crocuses
The varieties that bloom in autumn can be planted throughout the summer, the main thing is to be in time before flowering. Pay special attention to the choice of the landing site. Unlike their spring counterparts, these flowers are more demanding lighting... In spring, almost any flower bed, even under a spreading tree, will be light. At the time when spring crocuses are blooming, there are still no leaves on the tree branches. But for autumn varieties, especially those blooming in September, take a well-lit garden bed. Indeed, at the beginning of autumn, until the leaves fall, it will be dark for them under the crown of the trees.
The exception is the valley crocuses and Sharoyan - they are comfortable in partial shade.
Also pay attention to whether there are drafts in the area. Chilly autumn winds can break fragile crocuses. They will not like them in waterlogged areas, where the bulbs can rot. In terms of soil, autumn crocuses grow best on light loams with neutral acidity. There will be no problems with wintering - the bulbs tolerate winter well and do not need shelter.