How to Grow Colchicum

Colchicum are cormous perennials with strap-shaped foliage which usually appears after the cup-shaped flowers that bloom in autumn. They are well-suited to planting in containers, under trees, amongst shrubs or along walkways and are attractive to pollinators as the blooms provide them with a late source of pollen. You should expect to see your Colchicum grow to an approximate height of up to 10-50cm (4-20in), depending on the variety.

Colchicum are best planted in a well-drained and fertile soil of chalk, clay, sand or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. They are best suited to a position of full sun as this will give you the best display of flowers. If planted in full shade, you will tend to get only a few small flowers. Colchicum will not tolerate waterlogging to keep the soil well-drained.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, so does not require much care. Foliage should only be removed once the plant has completely died back.

It is possible to propagate Colchicum by seed sown in containers in an open frame when ripe, or by separating corms when dormant in the summer.