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Family description Colchicum.

Colchicum is often called autumn crocus to which it superficially resembles. The flowers emerge directly from the underground bulb without any leaves to indicate its presence. As it flowers in early autumn, this sudden splash of colour appearing from nowhere is always appreciated. The main drawback is the flowers tend to flop down if the weather is bad and they are unsupported. They are best if grown amongst other small plants that will offer support. In spring, when the flowers are a distant memory, the bulb produces its leaves which must be left to grow unhindered. These serve the purpose of fattening the bulbs up again ready for flowering the following autumn.

General care.

The main care for this plant is to do nothing. The leaves often look untidy but must be left to do their job. cleat them away only once they have turned yellow. A sprinkle of slow release fertilizer may be applied in late winter.

Notes on Toxicity or Culinary usage.

Do not eat the bulbs. Wash hands after handling.

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Species description. Colchicum autumnale.

Pink, white or mauve flowers suddenly appear from the bare earth in the autumn when everything else is past their best. Foliage appears in the spring.

Display characteristics for Colchicum autumnale.

• Plant type: Monocotyledon. Deciduous
• Habit: Erect
• Type: Bulb.
• Height: 0.20 mtr.
• Spread: 0.20 mtr.
• Attractive to wildlife: None
• Preferred soil type: Clay. Loam. Silt.
• Soil moisture requirement: Medium
• Soil ph: Min: 4.5   Max: 7.5
• Suitable position: Border. Container.
• Light requirements: Full sun.
• Summer water requirements: None
• Winter water requirements: None
• Minimum temperature: -5 °c
• Safe Minimum temperature: -2 °c
• Safe Maximum temperature: 30 °c
• Maximum temperature: 0 °c
• Wind tolerance: Low
• Salt tolerance: None
• Drought tolerance: Low
• Waterlogging tolerance: Low
• Toxicity-Edibility: Fatal in large doses
• Bloom attributes: Showy display.
• Foliage attributes: Undefined
• Berry attributes: Undefined
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