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. 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.