Troubleshooting
Showy Autumn Crocus problems — and how to fix them
Showy Autumn Crocus (Colchicum speciosum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Botrytis on flowers
Grey mould disfigures blooms in wet, cold autumns; plant in a sheltered, airy spot and remove affected flowers promptly.
Slug and snail damage
Autumn pests attack the flowers at ground level; use organic slug pellets as soon as flowers emerge.
Corm rot
Persistent wet conditions during summer dormancy cause basal rot; improve soil drainage or grow in a raised bed.
Overcrowding
Clumps become congested over several years, reducing vigour; lift and divide in late summer every 4-5 years.
Large leaves smothering neighbours
Spring foliage is bold and can overwhelm small plants; site with this in mind or grow in grass where the leaves can spread freely.
Prevent showy autumn crocus problems before they start
Most showy autumn crocus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Showy Autumn Crocus problems — FAQ
Why is my showy autumn crocus botrytis on flowers?
Grey mould disfigures blooms in wet, cold autumns; plant in a sheltered, airy spot and remove affected flowers promptly.
Why is my showy autumn crocus slug and snail damage?
Autumn pests attack the flowers at ground level; use organic slug pellets as soon as flowers emerge.
Why is my showy autumn crocus corm rot?
Persistent wet conditions during summer dormancy cause basal rot; improve soil drainage or grow in a raised bed.
Why is my showy autumn crocus overcrowding?
Clumps become congested over several years, reducing vigour; lift and divide in late summer every 4-5 years.
Why is my showy autumn crocus large leaves smothering neighbours?
Spring foliage is bold and can overwhelm small plants; site with this in mind or grow in grass where the leaves can spread freely.