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BulbsHerbaceous PerennialSynonym
Colchicum giganteum Arn.
An autumn-flowering bulb reaching 30cm tall, with clusters of large lilac flowers, without leaves. The leaves are green and broad and grow in spring, quite separate from the flowering season. Suitable for naturalising in grass
Synonyms
Colchicum giganteum Arn.Colchicum illyricum misapplied
see moreColchicum illyricum superbum
Colchicum speciosum var. illyricum hort.
Colchicum giganteum hort. ex Stef.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Purple | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Colchicum are cormous perennials with usually coarse, broadly strap-shaped leaves which appear with or after the goblet-shaped flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in good light in any moist but well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate from seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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