Colchicum

Autumn Crocus (Colchium), a real garden gem

Colchium Autumnale (more commonly known as Autumn Crocus) is a special little bulb, native to the UK, with beautiful purple coloured flowers and golden stamens. Colchicum flowers resemble crocuses, but aren’t, and when they flower, they look like tiny little gems in the garden. Colchicum bulbs are extremely rare in the wild and fall under the stewardship of The Country Wildlife Trust, and are therefore protected.

Colchicum is a lovely autumn flowering bulb

Colchicum autumnale is a lovely autumn flowering bulb, flowering from August / October. Colchicums are shade tolerant and look especially lovely, casually planted in woodland areas, or planted along pathway edges, in the grass and under shrubs. What makes the autumn crocus also special is the fact that they can flower indoors on the windowsill without pot soil, water or fertilizer without problems. Be aware, however, that all parts of Colchicum are highly toxic.