There are several species of true crocuses that flower in the fall, but often what we call autumn crocus is not a crocus but a member of the lily family. This corm is Colchicum autumnale and is typically planted here in early fall . Autumn crocus, or colchicum, blooms in the Houston area in late summer, in August or September. This multiplying corm likes sun or partial sun and a loose, organically enriched soil.
Good drainage is important.
The blooms appear before the gray foliage, which resembles that of its cousin, the tulip, another lily family member. The foliage emerges after bloom, lingers in winter, then dies back in the heat of spring. Colchicum also has the amazing ability to flower unplanted. The bare bulb blooms without soil or water. Gardeners have found that a bulb placed on a windowsill will bloom for a couple of weeks.