![]() ![]() And both include varieties that bloom in autumn as the summer garden fades. Both bulbs produce large, chalice-like blooms in shades of lilac, pink, violet, and white. So why do they share the same name? Because looks can be deceiving. True Crocuses include the popular spring-blooming varieties that mark winter’s end, fall-blooming species, and the Saffron Crocus used in cooking. When it comes to bulbs, the name “crocus” is often used to describe two unrelated plants: Colchicum, often called by the common name autumn crocus, is a Lily relative, while true Crocuses belong to the Iris family. No wonder plant nerds use botanical names! When you hear the word “marigold” do you think of the native, sunny yellow Marsh Marigold, or the papery orange and yellow marigold flowers often seen around vegetable gardens? Depending on where you live the name “bluebell” may refer to a native woodland wildflower (Virginia Bluebells), a Mediterranean bulb (Spanish Bluebells), or a desert annual wildflower (California Bluebell). The world of plant names is riddled with homonyms different plants sharing similar common names. So grab the bulb digger and get planting! Crocus & Colchiucm: What’s In A Name? In case you need one more reason to plant these autumn jewels, both colchicum and crocus provide nectar and pollen late in the season for busy bees and other pollinators. Fall-blooming crocus and autumn crocus are two different plants with similar names - but don’t let that deter you - these little beauties invigorate the fall garden as other plants prepare for winter’s sleep. Paint the autumn garden in vivid hues with fall-blooming crocus and autumn crocus. By Kimberly Toscano, entomologist, gardening expert and writer. ![]()
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