CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Bulbs: Colchicum

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Colchicum

     Colchicums always bring a surprize to fall gardens, for their bright blossoms seem to appear out of nowhere, rising from the earth without foliage. Their unusual life cycle starts when the corms are planted in August. Within a few weeks they send up clusters of flowers that generally last two to three weeks, then disappear. Leaves develop the following spring but wither away in early summer. The translucent flowers vary from 2 to 8 inches in diameter and look like crocuses, although the plants are only distantly related.
     Popular varieties include the 8-inch-tall C. autumnale and the 6-inch-tall C. autumnale minor, both of which bear pale rose to white flowers 2 inches across; C. byzantium, which grows 6 inches tall and bears clusters of 10 to 20 rosy lilac flowers up to 4 inches across; C. speciosum, which grows 8 to 12 inches tall and bears 6- to 8-inch tuliplike flowers in rosy lavender or white. C. luteum, which blooms in early spring instead of fall, grows 6 inches tall and bears bright yellow 2-inch flowers. Additionally, there are excellent hybrids available. Colchicums have coarse 6- to 10-inch-long leaves that take considerable time to develp fully and die, so the corms should be planted among shrubs or in woodland gardens where their withering foliage will not be conspicuous.
     C. luteum is hardy in Zones 7-10, but all the other species are hardy as far north as Zone 4. Colchicums do best in full sun or light shade, located in a place where they can be left undisturbed for years. Plant the corms in August, spacing them 6 to 9 inches apart and covering them with 3 to 4 inches of soil. Propagate in early summer after the foliage has withered, from the small corms that develp at the base of the larger ones. Colchicums may also be grown from seeds, but take five years to reach flowering size.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.