Autumn crocus Colchicum
Not to be confused with the fall crocuses described above, autumn crocuses are also called “naked ladies” because they bloom without their leaves. Their goblet-shaped petals bloom in shades of pink ranging from magenta and rose to amethyst and violet. Some are also available in purest white. As beautiful as they are in fall, they can be awkward to deal with in the springtime when their long, strappy leaves appear. They're best naturalized under trees or clustered under shrubs such as rhododendrons, which help to hide their gawky foliage in the spring. Not all colchicums are hardy enough for the Canadian climate. Some of the best include ‘Autumn Queen,' ‘Water Lily' and ‘The Giant.'
Cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium
A hardier variety than the florists' cyclamen commonly sold as a houseplant, Cyclamen hederifolium is an elegant fall-bloomer with flowers like tiny butterflies that bloom in rosy pink or white. Once the flowers die back, its beautiful mottled leaves fill out to create an attractive late fall groundcover. This fall bloomer loves shade in the summer and sunshine in the winter. Cyclamen also benefits from a mulch of leaves over the winter.
Read more in Homes and Gardens
You might also enjoy:
Newsletter
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
RSS