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Previously, mouse lines with knockout of specific genes were produced by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells , as well as by insertional mutagenesis . These are very time- and labor- consuming experiments, and generation of double knockout animals is a more difficult task. The CRISPR- Cas9-based genome editing technology is a faster and less labor-intensive way to do the job in a single step. Targeted injection of site specific nucleases into a single cell zygote causes double-strand DNA breaks at the target locus [ ]. These breaks are repaired via the nonhomologous end joining mechanism that leads to the generation of mutant rats and mice carrying deletions or insertions at the cleaved site .

Upon addition of a donor plasmid or oligonucleotide, the breaks can be repaired through the high precision homologous recombination mechanism that enables the production of animals carrying target DNA inserts . Catalytically inactive dCas9 or dCas9 coupled with factors regulating gene expression also allows one to activate or repress transcription in human, bacterial, and yeast cells [ ]. Coli omega-subunit of RNA polymerase , tandem copies of the viral VP64 protein, and the KRAB domain can be used . For example, highly specific silencing of the CD71 and CXCR4 genes (at the level of 60–80%) as well as effective knockdown of the TEF1 locus in yeast were achieved . Furthermore, multiplex activation/repression of the promoters of several genes was achieved, with the regulation type being controlled by the target position in the gene promoter . For targeted activation of gene expression, constructs containing the TALE DNA-binding domain and the synthetic VP64 domain , TALE-TF, are used.

Once in the nucleus, a chimeric protein binds to a target nucleotide sequence and the VP64 domain attracts endogenous activators of gene expression . In this case, the target gene expression is statistically significantly increased, which is usually confirmed by real time PCR. Activation of noncoding genes is also possible, e.g., the genes of miRNAs .

Suppression of the target gene expression can be achieved using chimeric proteins containing the KRAB or SRDX domains. The efficiency of artificial nucleases can be quantified and compared using methods based on genetic reporter constructs containing genes of luminescent proteins. In this case, single-strand annealing is used, which is one of the ways used to repair doublestrand breaks in the genome of eukaryotes. If a doublestrand break occurs between two direct repeats, then annealing of the complementary sequences flanking the break occurs via SSA. Then, the nonhomologous regions are hydrolyzed by specific nucleases and the synthesis and ligation of new DNA occur in singlestrand segments. The sequence between direct repeats where a double-strand break occurred is always deleted, and one sequence remains instead of two repeated sequences.

This process is used to restore a reporter gene; e.g., the luciferase gene. After a double-strand break introduced into the target sequence cloned into a plasmid vector between two repeat elements of the reporter gene, the reporter function is restored by means of SSA. Therefore, the efficiency of artificial nucleases can be quantified by the level of luminescence. In this case, reporter constructs are transfected into eukaryotic cells such as HEK293 lines or some yeast strains. The disadvantage of this method is that it does not take into account the genomic environment in which the taget site is located; so, its results may not correlate with the results obtained when working with target sites in the genome . Pyogenes needs the obligatory presence of the PAM with the 5'-NGG-3' consensus, though it is not much, but it limits selection of a target.

In particular, target sites in the human genome are located in every 8–2 bp . One of the main drawbacks of the CRISPR/Cas9 system is a relatively high probability of off-target mutations. At the same time, substitutions at the 5'-end of sgRNA have actually no effect on the system's activity . However, cases are known when some single- and dinucleotide substitutions at the 3'-end of sgRNA do not affect the CRISPR/Cas9 system's activity and, instead, inhibit its action, if they are located at the 5'-end . The search for and development of methods based on the use of Cas9 orthologs, the activity of which needs a PAM with a more complex consensus sequence, will overcome these drawbacks. Meningitidis recognizes the PAM with the 5'-NNNNGATT-3' consensus, which certainly limits the choice of a target but may increase the specificity.

Precise studies of plant, animal and human genomes enable remarkable opportunities of obtained data application in biotechnology and medicine. However, knowing nucleotide sequences isn't enough for understanding of particular genomic elements functional relationship and their role in phenotype formation and disease pathogenesis. In post-genomic era methods allowing genomic DNA sequences manipulation, visualization and regulation of gene expression are rapidly evolving. Though, there are few methods, that meet high standards of efficiency, safety and accessibility for a wide range of researchers.

In 2011 and 2013 novel methods of genome editing appeared – this are TALEN (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) and CRISPR /Cas9 systems. Although TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 appeared recently, these systems have proved to be effective and reliable tools for genome engineering. Additionally, we review general strategies for designing TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 and analyzing their activity. We also discuss some obstacles researcher can face using these genome editing tools. Japanese scientists have developed a method of analysis based on the impairment/restoration of the lacZα gene function (Fig. 7). For this purpose, the site designated for introducing a double-strand break is cloned into the lacZαgene.

In this case, oligonucleotide primers are selected in such a way that the wild type target site impairs or preserves the reading frame. If a double-strand break occurred in the site that was repaired by nonhomologous end joining, then in the first case, after cloning the reading frame will be restored in the one-third constructions due to deletions or insertions. Colicells with the produced constructs, a fraction of the colonies will be blue in color.

In the second case, the reading frame will be impaired in the two-third constructs due to mutations caused by artificial nucleases. The colonies with these genetic constructs will be white in color. The efficiency of artificial nucleases can then be determined by simply counting the fraction of blue or white colonies in the first and second cases, respectively . Due to the activity of CRISPR/Cas9 or TALENs systems, a double-strand break is introduced into eukaryotic DNA in the region of the CRISPR/Cas9 protospacer or spacer sequence separating the TALEN recognition sites (Fig. 7).

In the absence of a homologous donor DNA, the double-strand break is repaired by nonhomologous end joining. During this process, errors occur and small insertions or deletions happen at a high frequency in the joining region . A number of techniques based on the detection of such changes in a target DNA have been developed to study the activity of artificial nucleases in eukaryotic cells (Fig. 7).

Long-term co-evolution of viruses and their hosts has led to the formation of viral protection mechanisms against the CRISPR interference , which explains a wide variety of the CRISPR/Cas systems in bacteria and archaea. Bioinformatic studies subdivide all CRISPR/Cas systems into three main types (I–III) and, at least, 10 subtypes . Among these, the type II-A CRISPR/Cas system isolated from the S. Pyogenespathogen is currently the one used most widely in genomic engineering. A minimum set of the cas genes was found in this bacterium .

One polyfunctional Cas9 protein performs both the processing of precrRNA and the interference of foreign DNA . The crRNA processing also depends on a small non-coding RNA, tracrRNA (trans-activating crRNA). Cas9 makes a double-strand break in the target locus in the presence of Mg2+ ions, with the HNH nuclease domain of the enzyme cutting the DNA strand complementary to crRNA, and the RuvC domain cutting the non-complementary strand . Pyogenesshould necessarily contain 5'-NGG-3' PAM , three nucleotides from which cleavage occurs. Thermophilus and Neisseria meningitides, targets for type II Cas9 have a different consensus (5'-NGGNG- 3' and 5'-NNNNGATT-3', respectively). The Premium AUTO PRO function automatically analyzes the shooting scene to choose the best settings and perform image processing.

It automatically combines images from high-speed continuous shooting according to shooting conditions to create gorgeous photos. For movies, the Premium AUTO Movie function automatically analyzes the scene to choose the best settings, by detecting people, landscapes, night scenes, macro subjects, blue skies, foliage and low light. The HEK 293T/HEK 293FT cell lines are commonly used to test the efficiency of the TALEN and CRISPR/ Cas systems in a human in vitro model, because they can be transfected easily by plasmids and are relatively simple to maintain, .

Activation of endogenous gene expression avoids the use of ectopic overexpression of the reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc in producing induced pluripotent stem cells. As a result, induced pluripotent stem cells can be produced that do not contain transgenes and, respectively, the risk of insertional mutagenesis, which arises when using lentiviral vectors expressing OSKM, can be reduced. For example, reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to a pluripotent state was achieved through targeted activation of the expression of the Oct4 and Nanog genes under the influence of TALE-TFs containing the VP64 domain .

The artificial nuclease activity is analyzed using enzymes that cleave the phosphodiester bonds in unpaired DNA segments (Fig. 7). Amplification of a segment selected as a target for artificial nucleases produces a mixture of DNA molecules, the nucleotide sequences of which are different due to the insertions or deletions that occurred during nonhomologous end joining. Denaturation followed by re-hybridization of a PCR product results in the formation of heteroduplexes containing loops in unpaired segments. After rehybridization, PCR products are treated with enzymes such as phage T7 endonuclease I or nucleases of the CELI family , and then the resultant fragments are separated by electrophoresis. Detection of hydrolysis products indicates that a PCR product mixture contains fragments with insertions or deletions resulting from nonhomologous end joining.

The efficiency of artificial nucleases may be estimated by the ratio of intensity of the main product and the fragments produced during the hydrolysis, but this is an inaccurate estimate . A method based on TOPO cloning allows one to study the nucleotide sequences of mutant alleles resulting from nonhomologous DNA end joining as well as highly accurate quantification of the efficiency of artificial nucleases (Fig. 7). Eukaryotic cells are treated with artificial nucleases, then genomic DNA is isolated, and the DNA segment containing a nuclease recognition site is amplified by PCR . The PCR products are cloned in a plasmid vector, followed by sequencing of the clones produced after the transformation toE. Based on this, the variety of the generated mutations and their frequency are determined.

Furthermore, if the cells treated with artificial nucleases are used to produce clonal populations, then lines carrying certain mutations may be selected after sequencing. For example, based on a selection of clones with a deletion of a certain size, cell lines were produced in which the reading frame impaired by the Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation was restored . Also, there are available systems for the automated high-performance production of constructs expressing TALENs nucleases. For example, a commercial platform from Cellestis Bioresearch enables one to generate up to 7,200 of these constructs annually. Three methods based on the use of solid phase surfaces have been described in the scientific literature [72-74].

These methods avoid an analysis of intermediate constructs, their purification by extraction from the gel, and other stages, which makes these methods suitable for automated production and accelerates the process. The idea behind these methods is to use streptavidincoated magnetic particles with attached biotinylated double-strand DNA adapters. Sequential alternation of the phases of DNA hydrolysis by restriction endonucleases and ligation is used to extend a sequence of monomers that is connected via an adapter with the magnetic particle. The reaction products are purified by means of washing buffers on a magnetic plate. In this case, by-products and reaction components are washed away and the target product is retained in a test-tube due to the attraction between the magnetic particles and the plate.

At the end, restriction endonucleases are used to cleave the links between the biotinylated adapter and the synthesized sequence of monomers of the DNA-binding domain of TALEN. The sequence is then cloned into a plasmid vector by means of DNA ligation. This method allows one to quickly and efficiently synthesize in parallel genetic constructs in 96-well plates using multichannel pipettes or robotic pipetting stations. Recombinases and transposases are an alternative to TALEN in genome editing. Their advantages include the lack of dependence on the intracellular repair mechanisms.

These enzymes also perform cleavage and ligation at target sites, and respectively in this case, no accumulation of double-strand breaks, which may lead to cell death, occurs. In addition, recombinases and transposases insert donor DNA into the genome, which simplifies detection of their activity. The disadvantage of these chimeric enzymes is a fairly high level of off-target effects . A catalytic domain of Gin recombinase or piggyBack transposase is used as an effector domain. The TALE recombinase activity was demonstrated using a reporter gene, the promoter of which was specifically cut out by Gin recombinase. The possibility to edit the genome using transposase was demonstrated in the case of theCCR5 locus.

These are sites like AAVS1 that provide stable expression of the introduced transgene . Thus, the TALEN and CRISPR/Cas systems can effectively be used in the functional genomics of cells for the generation of cell models of human diseases and for cell therapy. Using the TALEN system, Ding et al. introduced double-strand breaks and obtained human stem cell lines with mutations in various disease genes. In total, 15 genes were mutated and a comprehensive phenotype analysis of differentiated derivatives of stem cells with mutations in four of them was performed.

New data on the role of these genes in the pathogenesis of diseases were obtained due to these cell models. For example, the APOBgene product was demonstrated to be necessary for the replication of the hepatitis C virus in human hepatocytes. Viral replication is greatly reduced in cells with a homozygous mutation in this gene. What is more, the E17K mutation in the AKT2 gene leads to a decrease in the glucose synthesis in human hepatocytes and an increase in the level of triglycerides in adipocytes. TALE proteins are composed of a central domain responsible for DNA binding, a nuclear localization signal, and a domain that activates the target gene transcription .

The capability of these proteins to bind to DNA was first described in 2007 , and just a year later two groups of researchers deciphered the code for recognition of the target DNA by TALE proteins . The DNA-binding domain was demonstrated to consist of monomers, each of them binds one nucleotide in the target nucleotide sequence. Monomers are tandem repeats of 34 amino acid residues, two of which are located at positions 12 and 13 and are highly variable , and it is they that are responsible for the recognition of a specific nucleotide. This code is degenerate; some RVDs can bind to several nucleotides with different efficiencies. Before the 5'-end of a sequence bound by a TALE monomer, the target DNA molecule always contains the same nucleo tide, thymidine, that affects the binding efficiency . The last tandem repeat that binds a nucleotide at the 3'-end of the recognition site consists only of 20 amino acid residues and therefore is called a half-repeat.

In 2011, Nature Methods named the methods of precise genome editing, including the TALEN system, method of the year . The history of this system's development is associated with the study of bacteria of the Xanthomonasgenus. These bacteria are pathogens of crop plants, such as rice, pepper, and tomato; and they cause significant economic damage to agriculture, which was the motivate for their thorough study. The bacteria were found to secrete effector proteins (transcription activator-like effectors, TALEs) to the cytoplasm of plant cells, which affect processes in the plant cell and increase its susceptibility to the pathogen. Further investigation of the effector protein action mechanisms revealed that they are capable of DNA binding and activating the expression of their target genes via mimicking the eukaryotic transcription factors. From 1990 to 2003, the nucleotide sequence of human nuclear DNA was determined and about 20.5 thousand genes were identified within the "Human Genome" International Project.

Similar projects are also currently under implementation; the genome nucleotide sequences of the main model biological objects (E. coli, nematode, drosophila, mouse, and others) have been deciphered. However, these projects provide data on the DNA nucleotide sequence only, but they yield no information about function of individual genome elements, or how they interrelate in an entire system. Thank you for your interest in our website and our company. The protection of your personal data during the collection, processing and use during your visit to our homepage is important to us. Personal data are all data that are personally identifiable to you, e.g. name, address, e-mail addresses, user behavior.

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The EX-ZR1000 comes with All-In-Focus Macro, which selects only in-focus areas from continuously shot images at different focus settings to produce a composite image. This achieves photos with every area coming out in focus, from foreground subjects to far-away backgrounds, which are hard to produce using a conventional camera. Users can select from three different processing levels of blur effects to set the background focus just as they wish. More recently, transcription factors were generated for the targeted regulation of gene expression in response to an external chemical stimulus. These factors consist of the TALE DNA-binding domain and ligandbinding domain of the steroid hormone receptor. When a ligand enters the cell, dimerization of the ligand-binding domain and, respectively, activation of the target gene expression occur .

Various applications of CRISPR/Cas and modifications of the genome editing technology in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are presented in a number of studies [ ]. This method is widely used to study the processes of dosage compensation in nematode and to compare gene functions in related species of C. CRISPR/Cas9-based methods can be effectively used to edit the genomes of cultured stem cells. In particular, the use of genome-editing systems enables one to correct point mutations in the cells obtained from patients.

The object of research in this case may be induced pluripotent stem cells and regional stem cell. In this case, both complex genetic constructs and singlestrand DNA oligonucleotides can be used as donor molecules . In theory, a double-strand break can be introduced in any region of the genome with known recognition sites of the DNA-binding domains using artificial TALEN nucleases. The only limitation to the selection of TALEN nuclease sites is the need for T before the 5'- end of the target sequence. However, site selection may be made in most cases by varying the spacer sequence length.

Perennial Flowers To Plant In Fall

Anise Hyssop looks spectacular in the perennial fall garden with its tall spikes of appealing lavender flowers and an aromatic anise-like scent. Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and pollinating insects all find this native flower irresistible and swarm the plant when it is in bloom. Anise Hyssop plants grow inches tall, and they have toothed muted green leaves.

The flower spikes, covered with hundreds of densely packed little tubular purple blooms, rise up above the foliage, announcing themselves to the world. Anise Hyssop is part of the mint family, but it doesn't have the same invasive tendencies as most mints. The flowers bloom for months, from late summer through fall. This Hyssop is exceptionally low-maintenance and deer resistant. "Alabaster" has white flowers and light green foliage, "Blue Blazes" is a taller version with purple flowers, and "Black Adder" has reddish-violet blooms.

Perennial Hibiscus,such as ourSummerific® series, is another class that will add color to the summer and fall garden. They actually start to bloom in mid-summer, but will continue to bloom deep into fall - October up in Michigan. The color range is pink, white, lavender and red, with some gorgeous bicolors. The plants are quite heat tolerant and prefer consistently moist soil. In general, they are hardy in zones 4-9 and are quite large feet tall and wide.

However, more compact versions such as Summerific® 'Cranberry Crush,' which is 3-4 feet tall, do exist. A stunningly tall native flower, Joe Pye Weed is superb in the fall perennial garden. It blooms from late summer through fall and produces massive, broad, slightly rounded clusters of dark purple or pink flowers . The bees, butterflies, and pollinating insects go crazy for Joe Pye Weed, and it is an important food source for many of them as they prepare to hibernate or migrate.

Joe Pye plants grow up to 6-8 feet tall, making them an impressive garden addition that is sure to be appreciated by all who see them. Joe Pye Weed is excellent as a background plant, centerpiece, or planted along pathways as a dramatic statement. It is rarely bothered by insects, pests, or disease, and deer generally avoid it. As if that isn't enough, this perennial smells like sweet vanilla.

'Walker's Low' is named for a garden in England, not for its height. It grows as high as 30" and can spread to 3 feet wide. Lavender blue flowers bloom profusely in early summer, as early as April or May in warmer climates, and then sporadically until frost. Sheering after the first heavy blooming will encourage another bloom, but the plant will not reach 30". The spicy scent is a nice addition to a vase of cut flowers, or in potpourri.

In addition to attracting cats, 'Walker's Low' will attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer and rabbits are indifferent to the plant, being scented and gray foliage. 'Walker's Low' is hardy enough for zone 4 and will tolerate sandy soil, salt, humidity and drought. Seeds are sterile, so this perennial must be propagated by division.

Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' is one of the most popular perennials of all time. The brilliant gold flowers bloom for months and are beloved by pollinators and beneficial insects.Purple Flame Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens', zones 3 to 9). Maiden grasses add striking form and texture to the perennial border all summer long. By late summer, many cultivars produce soft, feathery plumes that emerge above the narrow foliage.

Purple Flame Grass is a medium-sized maiden grass, growing three to four-feet tall with foliage that turns from bright green to fiery reddish-orange in early autumn. The attractive plumes are silvery-white and persist on the plants throughout winter. Pruning is only necessary in early spring when the dried foliage and flower stems from the previous season are cut back before the fresh growth emerges. A popular mid-summer bloomer, Moonbeam Coreopsis bears hundreds of small, soft yellow flowers.Astilbe . Astilbe stands out among the longest flowering perennials. Besides being super easy to grow, they thrive in both sunny and shaded gardens, and have feathery flowers that offers months of graceful color.

And speaking of color, the blooms can be white, lavender, purple, bubblegum, deep pink, apricot, or red, often with bronze or purple foliage as well. The plants form tidy clumps with the flower plumes emerging in early to mid summer and persisting into winter. The plants do appreciate ample moisture and regular watering in dry summers can prolong the blooming period. Outstanding cultivars include 'Bridal Veil', 'Pumila', and 'Fanal'.

Who says you can only enjoy pretty flowers during spring and summer? When the temperature starts to drop, your garden may end up suffering from neglect and overgrown plants. However, just because the end of summer is near, it doesn't mean it's the end of your garden. As the days get shorter, it's time to brighten up your landscaping, flower beds, and container gardens. All it takes is planting a few perennials and annuals to keep your garden alive through cold-weather season.

But, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see a softer color palette represented in this blooming collection, too. We'd agree that spring garners the most attention for gardening enthusiasts. In all actuality, though, we think Southern gardens really show their true colors in fall. Scroll for a little growing inspiration and dose of autumnal whimsy.

This wonderful full shade to part sun perennial has excellent foliage for the fall . Heuchera comes in a multitude of different shades and hues giving you a full-color showing just with its foliage. This means that the color lasts throughout the entirety of the growing season. It tolerates dry soil and is deer-resistant, making them perfect for a woodland garden or any gardens plagued by deer.

Some varieties even produce tiny flowers on tall, thin stalks during the spring and summer season, adding another layer of interest to these versatile plants. To learn more about the various varieties of Heuchera, visit out Heuchera page for more. Fall showers are generally plentiful, but it's easy to deeply water plants if it doesn't rain at least an inch per week. Pests and disease problems also fade away in the fall.

Plus, the late season is often bargain time at garden centers that are trying to sell the last of their inventory before winter. Look for deals on spring-blooming bulbs, perennials, trees, and shrubs, which can all be planted in the fall, up until your area gets hit with a hard frost. And don't forget your lawn; cool-season turfgrass can be seeded this time of year, too.

Get these plants in the ground in fall, and they'll reward you with gorgeous color in spring. Incredibly pretty and exotic-looking, Tricyrtis formosana is a shade-loving perennial with small, orchid-like flowers, 1 in. The blooms feature six showy white tepals, heavily sprinkled with purple freckles and a yellow throat. Quite showy, they are born in lax clusters at the top of erect stalks and sparkle in the garden in late summer to early fall. The foliage of shiny, lance-shaped, dark green leaves usually remains attractive throughout the growing season. The feathery flowers of astilbe are a perfect pick for semi-shaded spaces.Yarrow .

A butterfly favorite, yarrow is a robust summer bloomer with pretty, flat-topped flowers that bloom for 6 to 8 weeks. The ferny foliage emerges in early spring and is followed by the two to four-foot tall flower stems in early summer. Flower colours can range from soft pastels to rich jewel shades. Deadhead spent flowers by clipping the flower stem back to the main foliage.

Top varieties include 'Moonshine', which has pale, yellow flowers and 'Cerise Queen', a bright cherry-red bee magnet. Alliums bloom in a wide range of colors, including shades of yellow, white, pink, and purple. Offering a whimsical structure in the garden, Alliums have tall thick stems that hold up a globe-like cluster of florets. They're deer resistant, attract birds and make great cut flowers.

Persicifolia blooms white or blue in early summer and is 2 to 3 feet tall with strong stems. It tolerates dry shade, and is easy to grow from seed. Yes, you can plant most of these perennial flowers in your gardens in late summer or fall. However, they do best if they are planted in spring and have time to become established over the summer. If you garden in a colder climate, covering your new plant with extra mulch or leaves will serve to give them a better chance at survival through winter. While the purple fountain grasses are annuals, Pennisetum 'Desert Plains' is hardy in zones 5-9.

The more sun you can provide, the happier this plant is. In mid-summer the foliage tips begin to turn deep red and by fall the whole plant is shades of gold and orange. It blooms in fall, with the large plumes emerging purply-pink and aging to tan.

It is often considered to be the best hardy Pennisetum available. Asters and hardy mums are the two most traditional perennials to grow for fall flower color. Hardy mums are about as easy to grow as a perennial gets. They come in great autumnal colors - yellow, bronze, red, white, orange, burgundy and pink and are usually hardy in zones 5-9. When buying mums be sure you distinguish between hardy and florist mums. The best gardens have plants that add color and interest in all seasons.

Spring and summer are usually pretty simple to fill with color. It can take a bit more planning to keep the garden looking great late summer into fall and winter. However, with a bit of careful plant selection your garden can brim with interest in every season. The plants that are a bit overlooked are perennials and shrubs that flower, fruit or have showy foliage in fall.

Ornamental Onion 'Millenium' (Allium 'Millenium', zones 5 to 9). The flowers bloom for around six weeks each summer, attracting every bee, butterfly, and beneficial insect for miles around. The one-foot tall and wide clumps are perfect for the front of a perennial border or a rock garden where the ball-shaped blooms can be appreciated. Technically a bulb, this plant is usually sold as a potted perennial and can be planted in spring or fall.

Unlike many perennials, pruning doesn't produce more flowers. We usually associate Crocus blooms with spring, but here is a flower that brings some lovely crocus-like spirit to the fall garden! Autumn Crocuses aren't a real Crocus; they belong to the Colchicum/Lily family, while true Crocus flowers belong to the Iris family.

However, these not-really-Crocus Autumn Crocus flowers are just as cheerful and wonderful as their spring-blooming look-a-likes. Autumn Crocus plants feature dark-green leaves that resemble tulip foliage. The flowers are wide, goblet-shaped, and light pink or purple, or white. Autumn Crocus plants grow 8-14 inches tall and burst into bloom in early fall. Each flower bulb produces 1-10 stalks, and each stalk holds a single flower.

The clumping growth makes it look like a flower bouquet emerging from the ground. The flower stalks appear after the leaves have died off, which can be confusing since it seems like the whole plant died. There are thousands of Begonia species, but sadly most are annuals for us in the United States. However, this one small species, the Hardy Begonia, is cold-tolerant, and it's an absolute wonder in the perennial fall garden. The leaves are olive-green and shaped like enormous wings , with red veins on the undersides. Hardy Begonia flowers are dainty, pink four-petaled gems with bright yellow pom-pom stamens that stick out from the center.

When in bloom, the flowers dangle from arching red stems just above the foliage. From the middle of summer well into fall, the flowers bloom continuously, adding a sweet delicacy to the garden. Hardy Begonias prefer partially shaded locations, and even when not in bloom, the large, winged foliage is quite attractive. Although the crocus is often considered a harbinger of spring, this showy look-alike waits until fall to send up its pretty blooms.

If you plant your autumn crocus bulbs in the garden by late summer, they will bloom just a few weeks later. One of my favorite plants for this time of year is fall-blooming Sedums. They are heat and drought tolerant, don't mind poor soils, are generally hardy in zones 4-9 and begin blooming in late summer. The color range is white, pink, red, burgundy and lavender. Some of my favorites are 'Pure Joy,' Garnet Brocade™, 'Maestro,' Autumn Joy and Neon.

Add a colorful surprise to the front of your garden with the large leafless blooms of Waterlily autumn crocus. Plant the bulbs in late summer and then enjoy the flowers right away in fall. Next spring, 6- to 14-inch tall leaves appear for about 8 weeks and then fade away for summer.

Learn why fall is the perfect time to plant perennials. Fall flower gardens can be just as colorful and pretty as summer gardens—it just takes a little planning. For best results with these fall blooming perennials, make sure you plant them earlier in the season, so that they're bright and hardy when fall hits.