Product Details
'Waterlily' Colchicum produces several double, lilac-pink flowers. Their silky texture is a glorious contrast to the ruddy complexion of fall. An excellent cut flower that lasts 10 days in water. Heirloom, 1928.
It's hard to imagine fall without the magical appearance of Colchicums. Their bright, vase-shaped blooms rise without warning and glisten in the sharp light of autumn. In spring, a clump of broad, deer-proof leaves emerges, stays awhile, and vanishes by midsummer. We plant the bulbs in front of shrubs, among vigorous perennials, and at the grassy foot of a fence. Colchicums prefer well-drained soil that doesn't dry out in summer and the need shade where summers are hot.
For more information on planting Colchicum, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
Reviews
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amazingly beautiful blooms
cgmaxwell from Ithaca, NY
In a perfect world, the foliage would not be quite so large and ungainly -- best to give it some cover for the spring. Although I love my location for blooming time, it's a bit exposed for the foliage stage. The leaves on mine are 8 to 10 inches tall, in large clumps, quite coarse in shape and texture. Good news is that the foliage disappears by mid-summer, as advertised!
Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: kohl'-chi-kum
Bulb size: 10-15 cm
Sometimes called Meadow Saffron, but bulbs are unrelated to the true Saffron and are, in fact, poisonous. A fact that makes them unpalatable to deer, voles, mice, and other bulb predators.
Large, vase-shaped pinkish lavender, rosy-violet, or white flowers emerge in the fall (September or October), appearing as if by magic, with no foliage visible. Each bulb produces numerous blooms. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8S, 5-9W
Bulbs are shipped only early in the fall season, beginning the first week of September. Bulbs should be planted promptly on arrival. Colchicum prefers full to part sun (shade in hot summer areas), and rich, well-drained soil. Plant bulbs 4" deep, 10-12" apart (figure on 3 bulbs per sq ft).
Suggested use: Among shrubs or low ground covers, or in a grassy area by a wall or fence, where the foliage will not be mowed prematurely in the spring. Plant in large clumps or sweeps for best effect. In spring, the bulbs produce a spray of coarse leaves, which must be allowed to mature to feed the fall display. The leaves disappear by early summer, but companions must mask or tolerate the foliage.