Colchicum cilicicum - Autumn Crocus

Colchicum cilicicum is a beautiful rock garden bulb, native to Turkey. In autumn it produces a bouquet of large typical pink flowers, resembling a giant crocus. The elongated leaves, of a bright green, only appear after flowering, in early winter. This bulb appreciates well-drained, cool soils, in full sun or light shade.

Colchicum cilicicum belongs to the colchicums, which themselves give their name to the botanical family Colchicaceae. This species is native to Cilicia, a historical region in southern Turkey bordering Syria, where it grows in lawns and forest edges. Between September and October, the plant awakens and produces a clump of large pink flowers, sometimes slightly darker on the edges, which then open into a cup. They reach about fifteen centimetres in height. The centre has 6 golden stamens, with horizontal anthers. The whole thing resembles a sort of large crocus, although most crocuses flower more in spring. In colchicums, the long veined leaves of a bright and shiny green only appear after flowering, between January and May. With the first warm weather the foliage disappears, and it is necessary to wait until the following autumn to restart the cycle and see the plant reappear, hence why it is called "nudiflora".

Colchicum cilicicum appreciates well-drained, not too dry, and even limestone soils. Choose the location of your colchicum carefully, as it does not like to be moved once in place. A position in full sun or moderate shade will suit it perfectly. Be careful, all parts of these plants are toxic, so avoid planting them where young children can venture. Plant the bulbs during the summer, about 15 cm (6in) deep, in order to enjoy flowering from the first year.

You can install it in a clear border akin its original environment, for example under tall trees like Scots pines or oaks, or plant it in a lawn. In either case, distribute several groups for a more natural and wild result. It is also an excellent rock garden plant, in the company of Geranium cinereum 'Ballerina' or Erigeron karvinskianus.