Colchicum speciosum detail (12/11/2011, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Autumn
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Eventual Height: 30 cm
Eventual Spread: 15 cm
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5a – 11
Family: Colchicaceae
Colchicum speciosum is a vigorously growing cormous perennial, with an erect growth habit and shiny, glossy and textured leaves. The leaves are lance shaped leaves that are roughly 7 to 10 inches long. The linear strap shaped leaves form a rosette and are dark green, emerge in spring, then go dormant in late may. The flowers are produced without leaves, appear in September and are red/ pink/ violet in color. The flowers are cup or goblet shaped in appearance and have yellow anthers.
Colchicum speciosum, commonly known as Naked Ladies, Autumn Crocus and Meadow Saffron, is native to the mountainous areas of northern Turkey and other parts of the Caucasus region. Most parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.
The etymological root of the binomial name Colchicum is named after a province of Asia Minor, where the plant abounds. Speciosum is derived from the Latin meaning ‘showy’.
Colchicum speciosum (12/11/2011, Kew, London)
The landscape architect may find this plant useful as an attractive cormous perennial plant for naturaliing under deciduous trees. This plant prefers dappled shade.
C. speciosum has been awarded the prestigious Royal Horticultural Societies annual Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
C. speciosum prefers a deep, fertile, well drained soil. It will tolerate most pH of soil.
Maintenance: This plant requires little maintenance.
