Colchicum speciosum

The best of the larger forms for most gardens, these spread and naturalise effectively. Stronger stemmed and later flowering than C. autumnale with longer flower stems and more richly coloured thick, rounded, rosy pink-lilac petals. 

Colchicums flower without their leaves and so benefit from being planted amongst other low growing plants, even ground hugging ivy. They grow in sun or part shade (although the white flowered form looks better in deeper shade). The leaves emerge after flowering and develop in the spring, so allow some space for these. The leaves disappear by July when the bulbs need a drier summer rest before the autumn rains again trigger the new flowering. Look out for and beware slug damage.

Planting Instructions

For any good garden soil, dry in summer. Colchicums should be planted 3” (8cm) deep - perhaps a little more for ones with bigger bulbs – and 6” (15cm) apart or perhaps dot them about informally in grass or in borders, They will naturalise effectively but the mower will have to be restrained until the leaves wither away in June. Beware of slugs.

Plant Details

Flowers    September/October
Height      8" (20cm)
Hardy