COLCHICUM
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Colchicum
Species: Colchicum autumnale
Colchicums are easy to grow and are ideal for nearlly ever garden. Though looking somewhat similar to Crocus they are not related. The flowers of most species generally appear in Autumn before the leaves appear. Colchicum autumnale is the most commonly grown species.
Alternate Names: Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies (a name also used for Belladonna Lilies)
Origin: Western and Central Europe.
Flowering Season: Late summer to early autumn.
Plant Size: 20-30cm H x 30cm W.
Planting Density: 15-20cm apart. Plant 10cm deep with pointed end up.
Multiplication speed: Moderate multiplication of bulbs if left undisturbed to naturalise.
Preferred Aspect: Full sun.
Plant Uses: In pots, as a border in the garden or in rockeries. Useful source of Autumn colour.
Likes: Hot dry summers prior to flowering.
Dislikes: Dry soil while leaves are growing.
Watering: Water moderately whilst growing to ensure healthy growth for the following year and multiplication.
Fertilising: Add a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser as leaf shoots appear.
Lifting and storage: Colchicums can be left undisturbed for many years. If necessary lift corms in January, they can be planted immediately or stored in a dry position.
Pests: Emerging shoots needs protection from slugs and snails.
Tips: colchicums can flower indoors without soil or water which makes them ideal for potting or growing in decorative bowls. When grown this way they need to be planted in the garden as soon as flowering has finished.