Quackin Grass Nursery

Plant Type:

BULBS

Genus Overview: Colchicum

Colchicum. An exceptional and easy-to-grow genus of bulbs... well, technically corms. The Colchicum are divided into three categories: 1) the autumn bloomers, 2) the winter and spring bloomers, and 3) the tessellated species (those with a criss-cross patterning upon the petals of lighter and darker tints of mauve-purple.)

 

       We offer autumn blooming species and selections. These push up foliage in the spring which dies back in early summer. It is in late summer and fall that they delight us with their flowers which are reminiscent of gigantic crocus. Flower color is usually a violet- pink to mauve, some more deep and vibrant, others lighter in tint. Some of the white selections such as C. autumnale 'Album' flower with a bare flush of baby pink, the flowers aging to pure white. Distinctions from crocus are not only their flower size and, indeed, the large size and shape of the corm which is covered in a semi-glossed dark brown papery sheath very much like the larger horticultural tulips. Colchicum sports 6 stamens and 3 styles whereas crocus have 3 stamens and 1 style. for further and astute reference we recommend A HANDBOOK OF CROCUS AND COLCHICUM FOR GARDENERS by E.A. Bowles.

       Flowering succession for the autumn flowering species, selections and hybrids we offer is as follows:

              Early season (early September) - 'Nancy Lindsay', C. byzantinum 'Album', 'Poseidon', 'Violet Queen'

              Mid-season (mid-September) - 'Ordu', C. bivonae 'Glory of Heemstede', C. byzantinum

              Late season (middle-late to late September / early October) - C. bornmuehlleri, 'The Giant', Rosy Dawn', C. autumnale 'Album Plenum'

       Culture is easy. Site in full sun though they tolerate half shade, some even three-quarters open shade planted in fertile draining soil. But they are truly happiest in a great deal of sunlight. Plant them in fertile, draining soil. They tolerate sandy conditions well and like lime, too. We have had ours in good draining organic soil on the acid side of the Ph spectrum with no discernible negative effects. Plant bulbs about 5 inches deep, sit back and wait. Never cut back the green foliage as this is taking in nourishment which feeds the corm keeping it healthy and strong. The dying foliage is not pretty but must be endured. This fact should be considered when before planting. In a small garden the dying foliage will be more noticeable than in a really large landscape. Planting behind taller plants would be a great option given that the forward plants die back or can be cut down before your Colchicum flower.

       Deer, voles, squirrels and other animals / browsers do not touch these plants. Ingestion can be deadly and potentially to humans as well. There are positive applications on the medicinal side. Indeed, colchicine is a derivative drug used to treat gout in very small, controlled doses. However this genus harbors mutagenic properties and in large-enough doses can be a deadly poison. Certainly, colchicine has been utilized in micro-propagation by professional plant enthusiasts, professors and scientists in the quest for new and interesting plant cultivars. But they always wear proper gear and rubber gloves when handling this substance. It is a compound to which one must have a healthy, wary respect. But handling, planting bulbs is not a problem... just don't eat them! As with any completed gardening task it is always hygienic and wise to wash one's hands.