I knew that title
would get your attention! Now that I
have your focus, let me tell you about one of my favorite fall bloomers –
Colchicum. Colchicum are sometimes
referred to as ‘naked ladies’ because the leaves emerge in the spring and then
die back by mid-summer, leaving the naked and beautiful flowers to emerge from
the ground in the fall, just when the rest of the garden is going dormant.
 |
| Emerging Colchicum |
One of my favorites
is the ‘Waterlily’ Colchicum, which produces
lilac-pink flowers reminiscent of its namesake. I love how they pop up
around the garden like little surprise packages, starbursts awaiting our
discovery. The delicate white Colchicum (C. autumnale ‘Album’) is another showstopper in the fall fashion
show. Its blooms push through the leaves
of other plants reaching for the spotlight.
is the ‘Waterlily’ Colchicum, which produces
lilac-pink flowers reminiscent of its namesake. I love how they pop up
around the garden like little surprise packages, starbursts awaiting our
discovery. The delicate white Colchicum (C. autumnale ‘Album’) is another showstopper in the fall fashion
show. Its blooms push through the leaves
of other plants reaching for the spotlight.
 |
| Waterlily Colchicum |
 |
| White Colchicum |
Colchicum is a member of the lily family and
according to my internet research, is the only flowering bulb to bloom while
dormant. While somewhat expensive, Colchicums expand rather quickly and can be
divided to create additional clumps of garden companions. Lucky us!
according to my internet research, is the only flowering bulb to bloom while
dormant. While somewhat expensive, Colchicums expand rather quickly and can be
divided to create additional clumps of garden companions. Lucky us!
The corms are not particularly fussy. They simply
want well-drained soil, adequate water during the growth phase, some dryness at
the end of summer, and to be planted at least 5-6 inches deep in some sun (or
full sun). Mine are planted in part
shade and do just fine.
want well-drained soil, adequate water during the growth phase, some dryness at
the end of summer, and to be planted at least 5-6 inches deep in some sun (or
full sun). Mine are planted in part
shade and do just fine.
Be aware that Colchicums are poisonous plants,
which fortunately makes them unpalatable to deer. While I don’t have pets, I’ve been told that
dogs and cats leave them alone.
Supposedly, ingestion of the plant can be deadly to livestock so keep
your cows out of the garden!
which fortunately makes them unpalatable to deer. While I don’t have pets, I’ve been told that
dogs and cats leave them alone.
Supposedly, ingestion of the plant can be deadly to livestock so keep
your cows out of the garden!
While these ladies really strut their stuff in the
fall, they don’t look lovely all year long.
Like the rest of us, Colchicums have some days where they aren’t at
their best, like when the foliage is declining in the summer. They also have a tendency to lie flat on the
ground at the end of their bloom period.
It’s hard work holding up that gorgeous bloom on a naked stem; when they
get tired, they lie on the ground for a nap, ready to be covered with a blanket
of snow. In both cases, resist the urge
to do anything except cut flowers for a bouquet or you’ll disrupt the plant’s
normal growing cycle.
fall, they don’t look lovely all year long.
Like the rest of us, Colchicums have some days where they aren’t at
their best, like when the foliage is declining in the summer. They also have a tendency to lie flat on the
ground at the end of their bloom period.
It’s hard work holding up that gorgeous bloom on a naked stem; when they
get tired, they lie on the ground for a nap, ready to be covered with a blanket
of snow. In both cases, resist the urge
to do anything except cut flowers for a bouquet or you’ll disrupt the plant’s
normal growing cycle.
 |
| An exhausted Colchicum lying on the ground |
Simply place your Colchicums carefully, where they
can be enjoyed when they are looking lovely, and ignored when they aren’t. Then sit back and prepare to be dazzled with
the spectacle of these amazing ladies!
What an interesting story here Carol. I love the comparison between us and them, particularly around nap time 🙂 Lovely little flowers for sure. There is beauty in their small delicate blooms. Thanks for posting Carol.
Glad you enjoyed the post John. I think it's always nice to extend the season with colorful blooms and as you know I love plants as much as I love people!
I've seen them before, but didn't know what they were. Thanks for educating me and reminding me of their beauty. Emily
Glad I could refresh your memory Emily. I hope I have inspired you to plant some!