Water
Water sparingly during active growth (autumn through spring). Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy period.
Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure excellent drainage.
Also known as Beautiful Autumn Crocus · Giant Meadow Saffron
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Showy Colchicum (Colchicum speciosum) is a cormous perennial plant native to the Caucasus and Turkey, producing vibrant goblet-shaped flowers in autumn.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
50% intensity
Prefers sunny locations but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water when soil is dry, reduce in summer dormancy.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Variable
50% intensity
Needs cold winter dormancy and warm summers; hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in autumn with balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts are toxic, especially the corms, due to the presence of colchicine and other alkaloids.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly during active growth (autumn through spring). Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy period.
Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure excellent drainage.
No pruning is generally required for Colchicum speciosum. Remove faded flower stems discreetly to maintain a tidy appearance.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally in summer; this nourishes the bulb for the following year's bloom.
Propagation is primarily by division of offsets or by seed. Offsets can be separated from the parent bulb after the foliage has died back in summer. Seeds require stratification and can take several years to flower.
Repotting is typically done when the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3-5 years. This is best done in late summer when the plant is dormant.
Use a well-draining potting mix in a pot that allows for some room for growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Showy Colchicum (Colchicum speciosum)
Where Showy Colchicum (Colchicum speciosum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Colchicum |
| Species | Colchicum speciosum |
Similar in genus Colchicum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
