Colchicum speciosum (False Autumn Crocus, Showy Colchicum)


Botanical Information

FamilyColchicaceae
GenusColchicum
Speciesspeciosum
CategoryBulbs, Perennials
OriginNorthern Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus Mountains.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-12 -(-9)
Temperature (°F)5 - 15
Height10 - 50 cm
Spread10 - 50 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodSeptember, October

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionCoarse, broad cormous perennial.
ID CharacteristicDeep purple, tubular flowers, up to 7 cm in length. Strap-shaped dark green leaves emerging in spring.
ShapeClump-forming habit.
LandscapeUnderplanting.
PropagationPropagate by seed or division.
CultivationGrow in fertile soil, with ample water with full sunlight. Cannot withstand waterlogging.
PestsSlugs and grey mould.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are rich green in colour, strap-shaped and up to 25 cm in length.
Flower Description2-3 reddish-violet flowers up to 8 cm in length, with pale green to white tubes.

Photographs