Colchicum agrippinum (Autumn Crocus)
Award-winning Colchicum agrippinum is an early fall-blooming Colchicum which bears crocus-shaped, checkered flowers, 5 in. long (12 cm), with purple-pink checks.
Award-winning Colchicum agrippinum is an early fall-blooming Colchicum which bears crocus-shaped, checkered flowers, 5 in. long (12 cm), with purple-pink checks. Appearing long before the leaves, this perennial makes a truly unique display in the fall garden. Resembling crocuses, it produces its 6-inch strap-shaped, slightly wavy, blue-green 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 4-6 inches tall (10-15 cm) and 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), this Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- 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 (8 cm) and 6 in. apart (15 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 | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
Spacing | 6″ (15cm) |
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 | Plant of Merit, 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 |