Colchicum cilicicum (Autumn Crocus)
Autumn Crocus
Native to southeast Turkey to Syria, Colchicum cilicicum is a fall-blooming Colchicum which bears up to 25 small, funnel-shaped, rose-purple flowers borne on short stems. Appearing long before the leaves, the flowers often have deeper tips to the petals. This perennial makes a truly unique display in the fall garden. Resembling crocuses, this small-flowered Colchicum produces its 4-6 dark green lance-shaped leaves, way later, in spring. Ridiculously easy to grow, all parts of this plant are poisonous, therefore it is diligently ignored by hungry deer, rabbits, and other critters.
- Growing up to 4-6 inches tall and wide (10-15 cm), this Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
- Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade.
- Stunning in front of shrubs, among low-growing perennials, woodlands, meadows, around patios or along walkways.
- Generally disease free. Watch for slugs.
- To be planted 8 in. deep (20 cm) and 8 in. apart (20 cm) in late summer for bloom the same year in fall.
- Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in an open frame when ripe or separate corms when dormant in summer.
- All parts are highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Colchicum - Autumn Crocuses |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 8" (20cm) |
Depth | 8" (20cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Pathways, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
© Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Colchicum - Autumn Crocuses |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 8" (20cm) |
Depth | 8" (20cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Pathways, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |