Colchicum Bulbs

Commonly known as "Naked Ladies," colchicums are the true queens of the autumn garden. Shaped like a giant crocus, producing dazzling white, lilac, or pink blooms atop tall, slender stalks. Their unique flowering habit, where blooms appear without accompanying leaves, adds to their charm and mystique. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, colchicums bring vibrant colour and elegance to the garden just as other plants begin to fade, ensuring a beautiful display well into the cooler months.

Why should you choose Colchicums?

Colchicums are a captivating addition to any autumn garden, offering a burst of colour and elegance just as other plants begin to retreat. Their enchanting blooms emerge in late summer and continue into autumn, providing a vibrant display when most gardens are winding down. The unique characteristic of colchicums is their ability to flower without leaves, lending an air of mystery and sophistication to your garden.

These resilient plants are remarkably easy to grow and require minimal care, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned gardeners. They thrive in a variety of soil types and are well-suited to borders, rock gardens, or naturalised settings, where they can create a natural, effortless look. With their tall, graceful stalks and exquisite flowers in shades of white, lilac, and pink, colchicums are sure to bring a touch of magic to any landscape.

Choosing colchicums means embracing a plant that not only beautifies your garden but also extends the season of interest into the cooler months. Their low-maintenance nature and striking appearance make them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add a dash of colour and intrigue to their autumn gardens. Let colchicums be the highlight of your garden, enchanting you and your visitors year after year.

Stephen’s Colchicum Bulb Top Picks

Stephen Teeuwis the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. Here are the Colchicum bulbs that he would recommend you consider for your garden:

• Autmnale Alboplenum AlbaSimilar to the purple double 'water lily’ this pure white colchicum is a densely packed flower with long thin petals
• SpeciosumA bold pink cup, ready to burst out of the bulb as soon as you receive it
• The giantA great big crocus shaped flower that naturalises in shaded positions around the garden.

How to plant Colchicum bulbs

Planting colchicum bulbs is a simple and rewarding task that brings stunning autumn blooms to your garden. Follow these steps to ensure your colchicums thrive and provide vibrant colour year after year.

• Choose the right location:Colchicums prefer well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded spot. Select an area with good drainage to prevent the bulbs from rotting, as colchicums do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Prepare the soil:Dig to a depth of about 20cm, loosening the soil to improve drainage and aeration. Incorporate some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for the bulbs.
• Plant the bulbs:Place each bulb about 10cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space them 10-15cm apart to allow enough room for the bulbs to spread and multiply over time. Planting in clusters or naturalised drifts will create a more impactful and natural-looking display.
• Water thoroughly:After planting, water the area well to help the bulbs settle into the soil. Colchicums are drought-tolerant once established, but they will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells to encourage healthy growth.
• Mulch the area:Applying a light layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, ensuring your colchicums have the best possible start.
• Monitor and maintain:Colchicums are relatively low-maintenance, but it's important to monitor them for any signs of pests or disease. Once the flowers have faded and the foliage appears in spring, allow the leaves to die back naturally, as this helps the bulbs store energy for the next flowering season.

By following these simple steps, you'll create the perfect conditions for your colchicum bulbs to flourish. Enjoy the enchanting blooms they bring to your garden each autumn, providing a stunning and effortless display of colour and elegance.

Why choose Peter Nyssen bulbs?

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience
• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50
• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper
• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

FAQs

When is the best time to plant colchicum bulbs?

The best time to plant colchicum bulbs is in late summer to early autumn. Planting them during this period ensures they have enough time to establish before the autumn blooming season, providing a vibrant display when other plants are starting to fade.

Are colchicums deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes, colchicums are generally resistant to deer and rabbits. Their bulbs and flowers contain toxic compounds that deter these animals, making them a great choice for gardens prone to wildlife browsing.

How do I care for colchicums after they bloom?

After colchicums bloom, allow the foliage to grow in spring and die back naturally. This process helps the bulbs store energy for the next flowering season. Avoid cutting back the leaves too early, and remove any spent flowers to keep your garden tidy.

Can colchicums be used as cut flowers?

While colchicums can be used as cut flowers, they are more commonly enjoyed in the garden. If you do use them as cut flowers, keep in mind that their stems are relatively short. Arrange them with other autumn blooms or foliage for a charming display.

Do colchicums require fertilisation?

Colchicums generally do not require regular fertilisation. However, adding a layer of compost or well-rotted manure when planting can provide beneficial nutrients. If desired, a light application of a balanced fertiliser in spring can support healthy foliage growth.

Need more help?

Colchicum bulbs can reach their full potential and provide a dazzling autumn display when planted correctly. Follow the steps in our comprehensive crocus planting guideto ensure your bulbs bloom beautifully each year.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.We're here to offer recommendations for stunning colour combinations, help you determine the right number of bulbs for your space, and address any landscape or trade inquiries you might have. Let us assist you in creating a garden that will delight you every autumn.