Colchicum The Giant (Autumn Crocus)
One of the tallest and most free-flowering of the Colchicums, The Giant’ is a fall-blooming Colchicum which bears up to 10 funnel-shaped, extra-large, lavender-pink flowers with a delicate white throat.
One of the tallest and most free-flowering of the Colchicums, The Giant' is a fall-blooming Colchicum which bears up to 10 funnel-shaped, extra-large, lavender-pink flowers with a delicate white throat. Appearing long before the leaves, the flowers often have deeper tips to the petals. This perennial makes a truly unique display in the fall garden. Resembling crocuses, this Colchicum produces its large, broad leaves, way later, in spring. Ridiculously easy to grow, all parts of this plant are poisonous, therefore it is diligently ignored by hungry deer, rabbits, and other critters.
- Growing up to 10-12 inches tall and wide (25-30 cm), this Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
- Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade.
- Stunning in front of shrubs, among low-growing perennials, woodlands, meadows, around patios or along walkways.
- Generally disease free. Watch for slugs.
- To be planted 3 in. deep (7 cm) and 3 in. apart (7 cm) in late summer for bloom the same year in fall.
- Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in an open frame when ripe or separate corms when dormant in summer
- All parts are highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Colchicum – Autumn Crocuses |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Fall |
Height | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 3″ (7cm) |
Depth | 3" (7cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Pathways, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |