The so-called “autumn crocus” (Colchicum autumnale) is of easy culture and deserves to be more widely grown. In color it is a soft rose-lilac. Varieties are C. a. major, which has larger blooms of a warm lavender color, and C. a. minor, with smaller, rosy-purple flowers that appear earlier. Most striking of all is the earlier blooming pure white form, C. a. album, which is smaller than the type. It is especially effective for naturalizing with the deeper colors.
C. speciosum, with large bowl-shaped, deep rosy-purple flowers on long stems, comes from the Caucasus. Its large leaves grow to one foot and are as much as four inches wide. This handsome species has many outstanding hybrids, such as Autumn Queen, with clusters of deep-purple flower cups; Violet Queen, a deep rosy-lilac or violet, with a white center; The Giant, with immense lilac-mauve blooms that are brightened with a white base. Lilac Wonder is recommended for its clear mauve or pinkish flowers, which are produced prolifically, as well as late, as is the rare Water Lily, with large, double flowers, four to five inches across, of a soft rosy-lilac.
A variety of soils is suitable provided drainage is good. Give full sun or part shade, and plant as soon as possible, otherwise the bulbs begin to sprout even if not put into the soil. The leaves will appear in the spring.
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