Colchicum autumnale - Autumn Crocus or 'Painted Ladies'

A group of Autumn flowering bulbous plants, the Autumn crocus - Colchicum autumnale - are good for early autumn colour in the garden. They are especially suited to planting under trees or shrubs in the shrub border. The flowering season is early autumn / winter and the flowers which are borne on naked plants with no foliage, are then followed by large green leaves - not unlike a Cos lettuce!

All parts of the Colchicum are highly toxic if eaten, and medical advice should be sought immediately.

The Colchicum bulbs are normally sold in garden centres during late summer, and often have flower buds when bought. This is not a problem, though bulbs with long spindly flowers should be avoided.

Plant to around twice the depth of the bulb, in most soils that are well drained. Add a little potting compost to the planting hole - mixed with a little sharp sand if the soil is heavy.

Autumn crocus can be naturalised under grass - taking care not to mow the foliage before it dies down.

Colchicum 'Beaconsfield' is a hardy variety, which responds well to naturalising under shrubs.
Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' is a rich pink goblet shaped flower which stands up to wet weather quite well. The flowers - which are quite fragrant - are followed by narrow upright foliage. This variety is happiest in a rich organic soil, but will also grow in most other soils that are not waterlogged.
Colchicum speciosum is a vigorous growing type, with erect leaves following the flowers, which often have white centers. Large goblet shaped flowers
Colchicum Waterlily is a great double flowered cultivar - seen here as a whole group, showing the reason why they are nicknamed 'Naked Ladies'. The flowers of this Colchicum often need support to stop them falling on to the ground. Low growing plants are suitable just to give the little bit of support required.

These autumn flowering crocus have very few pests or diseases - other then slugs and possibly grey mould on foliage