Colchicum Species, False Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies, Showy Colchicum

On Apr 10, 2014, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote:

The chalice-shaped lavender-pink flowers bloom without foliage in August/September, when many gardens begin looking tired. The flowers often fall over after a day or so---they are often grown through a low groundcover for support. I always look forward to their appearance, and I'm always disappointed that they last so briefly.

Each corm produces a cluster of flowers, sending them up in succession over about two weeks. Because the corms multiply rapidly by offsets, I'm inclined to plant them 12-18" apart. They aren't cheap, but even a single corm will soon produce a substantial display if you dig and move its offsets every few years when the foliage goes dormant. Corms should be ordered for late summer delivery and planted immediately, or they will bloom in storage.
... read morer /> The glossy spring leaves are big and beautiful, though their demise is conspicuous and protracted. Broad, straplike, to 1' long, they rise in earliest spring and go dormant in June. As the corms multiply, the clump of foliage tends to smother its spring neighbors.

Colchicums perform well in full sun to part shade. They do well in the shade of deciduous trees. I think of colchicums as among the more shade-tolerant of bulbs---similar in their requirements to daffodils, and just as easy.

Good drainage is essential. Consistent moisture is needed only when the leaves are active in spring. Too much water leads to corm rot, especially during summer dormancy. Colchicums perform well under large deciduous shrubs and trees, whose roots absorb any excess moisture in summer. All colchicums are intolerant of standing water.

All parts contain toxic concentrations of colchicine, and are not generally bothered by herbivores. Leaves, corms, and flowers are vulnerable to snails and slugs.

Soil pH can be acid, neutral, or alkaline, as long as it's well drained. This plant tolerates poor soil, but quickly shows its appreciation for added organic matter. Armitage says it's hardy in Z4-7 in eastern North America.

Propagation by separating offsets is easiest, but this species can also be grown from seed---though it's notoriously slow and difficult. Seeds can take up to 2 years to germinate, and another 4-5 years for plants to reach flowering size. You can find some tips for germinating and growing colchicum here: http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Colchicu...

This species is commonly called autumn crocus or meadow saffron. Both names are correct but misleading, as it is not a crocus, nor does it produce saffron. There are true crocuses that bloom in the fall, and among them is the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus.

"Naked ladies" usually refers to Amaryllis belladonna. "Showy colchicum" refers to Colchicum speciosum.

On Sep 13, 2005, Scorpioangel from Gold Hill, OR (Zone 7a) wrote:

A great filler plant in the spring ... nothing like glossy green leaves to make you want to get out and get ready for the coming show of spring flowers. Then after the dry summer, when not much else around here is in bloom, they start poking out of the ground. They are a welcome site this time of year when all the potted plants are being stored away for protection.

On Sep 8, 2004, daryl from vernon, BC (Zone 6a) wrote:

I agree, they do of course have leaves in the spring,quite large actually (I'll take a pic in the spring).Also they can be used as a diuretic,but a word to the wise, they are also highly toxic and there can be serious consiquences to an overdose!!!

On Aug 8, 2001, killerdaisy from Dallas, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:

These bulbs produce ONLY flowers, which arise in little clusters directly from the ground, with no foliage supporting them. Allow for abundant watering while active.