Colchicum spp.
naked ladies
Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western and central Asia
Overview
Colchicum spp. is a genus of about 160 cormous perennials in the family Colchicaceae, native to Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western and central Asia. Most species flower in autumn, sending up leafless, goblet-shaped blooms straight from the ground, a habit behind the names autumn crocus and naked ladies. Broad, glossy strap-shaped leaves follow in spring, reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), then yellow and die away by early summer. Flowers stand 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall in shades of pink, lilac, purple, and white, some patterned with a checkered tessellation. Despite the crocus nickname, Colchicum spp. belongs to a separate family and is told apart by its six stamens, where true crocus has three. Every part, especially the corms and seeds, contains colchicine, an alkaloid used medicinally for gout but acutely poisonous to people and animals if eaten. The large spring foliage flops and browns as it dies, the main untidy phase in the garden.
Native Range
Native to Europe, the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and western and central Asia, with many species centered on Turkey and the Balkans. They grow wild in meadows, scrub, and open woodland that dries out in summer.Suggested Uses
Naturalized in short grass, at the front of borders, and beneath deciduous shrubs for autumn color. The smaller species also suit rock gardens and shallow containers where the corms stay dry in summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread3" - 9"
Bloom Information
Most species flower in autumn, from September to November, on naked stems before any foliage appears. Each corm opens several goblet-shaped blooms in succession over three to four weeks. A few species flower in late winter or spring instead.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink, lilac, purple, or white, sometimes tessellatedFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Colchicum spp. grows in full sun to light shade in free-draining soil and tolerates the dry summer rest that matches its Mediterranean origins. Corms are set 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) deep in late summer, just before the autumn flowers emerge. Plants are hardy to USDA zone 4 (-30°F / -34°C) and need little summer water once dormant. Established clumps multiply on their own and can be lifted and divided when crowded. The corms and seeds are poisonous and are kept clear of food crops and grazing areas.Pruning
Spent flowers can be removed for tidiness in autumn. The spring foliage is left to die back fully before it is cleared, since the leaves recharge the corm for the next bloom. No other pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons