Colchicum The Giant

One of the finest and most impressive autumn-flowering bulbs, Colchicum 'The Giant' produces an abundance of large, goblet-shaped blooms in soft lilac-pink with distinctive white centres. Flowering just as the summer garden begins to fade, this award-winning variety brings a welcome burst of colour to borders, lawns and woodland gardens.

Often called the Autumn Crocus or Naked Lady, Colchicum 'The Giant' is not a true crocus but belongs to the lily family. Its fascinating flowering habit has delighted gardeners for centuries, with the elegant blooms emerging directly from bare soil in early autumn before any foliage appears. The broad, glossy leaves follow the next spring, storing energy for another spectacular display before dying back naturally in early summer.

A recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM), 'The Giant' is renowned for its vigorous growth, dependable flowering and ability to naturalise. Over time, the bulbs develop into impressive clumps, producing increasing numbers of flowers each autumn with very little maintenance.

Ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, weaving through lawns, planting among ornamental grasses or brightening mixed borders, this hardy perennial provides valuable late-season interest and nectar for pollinating insects when few other bulbs are in flower.

Please note: All parts of Colchicum are poisonous if eaten. Wear gloves when handling bulbs and keep away from children and pets.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Colchicum bulbs as soon as they arrive in late August or September. These bulbs establish quickly and often flower within a few weeks of planting.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil. 'The Giant' is ideal for borders, woodland gardens, beneath deciduous trees, gravel gardens and naturalising in lawns.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs around 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve poor soils with compost before planting and ensure good drainage, particularly in heavy clay.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting if the soil is dry. Once established, rainfall is usually sufficient, with extra watering only needed during prolonged dry periods.

Aftercare Tips:

• Enjoy the flowers in autumn before the foliage appears.
• Allow the broad spring leaves to die back naturally, as they replenish the bulb for next year's flowers.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed where possible, as they will gradually form larger, more floriferous clumps.

Top Tip:
Plant in generous drifts amongst ornamental grasses or low-growing ground cover to create a spectacular carpet of lilac-pink flowers every autumn.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
September – October (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
Flowers: 6–8" (15–20cm) (approx.)
Spring foliage: 10–12" (25–30cm)

Position:
Full sun or partial shade

Hardy Perennial

RHS Award of Garden Merit