Colchicum speciosum album

The very best Colchicum which has been lost to large scale production for many years and was sorely missed. Then in 2020 I had a call from Scotland where some grew ‘nearly wild’ – would I like to buy some? Of course! They arrived in greater numbers than I expected and have now had a couple of years in the soft south and should be beauties. Big bold goblet shaped flowers in pure white, ideal for part shade.

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 and the white flowered form looks particularly good 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.

RHS Award of Garden Merit.

This plant/cultivar has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit because it has proved to be reliable in appropriate conditions and a good performing plant. 

Planting Instructions

They need planting with 2-3" (5-8cm) of soil over the bulb, perhaps a little more for these big bulbs, and 6" (15cm) apart.

Plant Details

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