Colchicum cilicicum (Autumn Crocus)

Native to southeast Turkey to Syria, Colchicum cilicicum is a fall-blooming Colchicum which bears up to 25 small, funnel-shaped, rose-purple flowers borne on short stems. 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 small-flowered Colchicum produces its 4-6 dark green lance-shaped 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 and wide (10-15 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 8 in. deep (20 cm) and 8 in. apart (20 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.