Late beauties: Spring-like floral magic in autumn

After the abundance of spring and summer, autumn tends to make people a little sad. Gardens are being prepared for winter and, slowly but surely, fallen leaves are appearing on pavements and in parks. However, there are also some beautiful flowers to be found at this time of year.

Pretty autumn crocuses with delicate purple flowers can be seen in meadows and parks, spreading a kind of magic similar to that of spring blossom. However, be careful, as these beauties are poisonous and their leaves appear as early as spring. These leaves can easily be confused with healthy wild garlic, which has resulted in cases of poisoning among careless foragers. The leaves of autumn crocuses contain a highly poisonous alkaloid.

Anyone who enjoys autumn walks will be familiar with goldenrod. These lush, yellow-flowering shrubs add a splash of colour to the landscape before the grey-white season begins. Goldenrod greatly contributes to the beautiful image of a golden autumn.

Flattering purple to combat autumn depression

Another poisonous plant adds a vibrant colour to the autumnal palette: the blue-violet wolfsbane. This attractive plant was used in ancient times to dispose of unwanted individuals. It is thought that the dried, powdered bulbs were responsible for some unexplained deaths. According to legend, blue wolfsbane originated from the saliva dripping from Cerberus's mouth when he was blinded by daylight. The plant was so notorious that possessing it was punishable by law in ancient Greece. It grows in the wild, but is also cultivated in gardens.

From September to October, monk's pepper attracts attention. This tall plant bears attractive purple flowers that resemble lilac, but are much larger and more opulent. It also has a pleasant fragrance. Its name probably comes from the fact that it was mainly cultivated in monastery gardens, as it was believed to reduce sexual desire. This was intended to support the monks' vow of chastity. It is uncertain how successful this was.

Popular with most garden lovers, the Indian chrysanthemum is the grande dame of autumn flowers. It comes in several colours, ranging from white to deep red: perhaps the latter looks best. As if puffed up, it catches the eye, positively bursting with richness and colour. As a poet might say, it bids the fading warm season a heartfelt farewell. However, this capricious lady also has an excellent reputation. It was cultivated in ancient China, where it was used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments, including high blood pressure. In Confucian writings, it is a symbol of courage. In Asia, the chrysanthemum was highly valued and admired. Perhaps not for its symbolism, but for its beauty.

Those who struggle with autumn depression may find solace in the many colourful promises of renewal after winter. Many flowers and shrubs cheer us up with their scent and colour before nature goes into hibernation until spring, when the first blossoms appear. Autumn is a time of farewell, but a beautiful one nonetheless. Winter also has its beauties.

© 'Late beauties: Spring-like floral magic in autumn. Autumn crocus, goldenrod, wolfsbane, monk's pepper, chrysanthemum': An article by Pressenet (translated by Izabel Comati), 12/2025. Image credit: Autumn crocus in full bloom, CC0 (Public Domain Licence).