Colchicum speciosum

Colchicum speciosum is a herbaceous perennial. It grows from corms. It is part of the Colchicaceae family of plants. It is native to Northern Iran, the Caucasus, and Northern Turkey.

The flowers are very similar to Crocus. They commonly call it Autumn Crocus, Naked Ladies, False Autumn Crocus, or Giant Meadow Saffron. But it is not from the same genus as Crocus. It looks similar to the Saffron producing Crocus Sativus.

It has bright green leaves that grow to about 25cm. They are strap-shaped. Colchicum speciosum leaves grow in spring and die down in the summer. The flowers pinkish-purple. they are about 3in or 8cm long. They are white at the base. They grow on greenish stems in autumn. Usually, when Colchicum speciosum blooms, it has no leaves.

How to grow Colchicum speciosum:

Grow Colchicum speciosum in the sun. Plant it in moist, humus-rich, and fertile soil that is also well-drained. Plant it about 7in or 17cm deep. It is a vigorous grower and very easy to grow. Propagate by seed or by corms during the dormant season in summer. It is generally disease free. Watch out for slugs and gray mold. It is poisonous and deer and rabbit resistant.