Gardening guide for autumn crocuses and spring Puschkinia

Various bulbous plants offer seasonal color in gardens, ranging from autumn blooms to early spring appearances.

Autumn crocuses bloom from late summer until the first frosts, providing color when other perennials have faded. They are characterized by cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, lilac, and purple. It is important to distinguish the non-toxic autumn crocus, which has three stamens and is the source of saffron, from the highly toxic autumn hellebore (colchicum), which has six stamens and larger flowers.

Puschkinia scilloides, also known as striped hyacinth, is an early spring bloomer that appears at the turn of winter and spring. Native to the Caucasus, Turkey, and northern Iran, these plants feature porcelain-blue flowers with a distinctive blue stripe down the center of each petal. They are hardy enough to withstand frost and do not require bulbs to be dug up for winter in climates like Poland's.