Colchicum 'Giant', 3 bulbs

As you might guess, 'Giant' is one of the tallest and most free-flowering of the Colchicums. The pinkish lavender flowers are white at the base. Heirloom, pre-1926.

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 they need shade where summers are hot.

For more information on growing Colchicum, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

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.

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].