Showy Colchicum
Colchicum speciosum
- Native to:
- Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
Eugene Popov (www.inaturalist.org),User:BotBln,Sergei Kazantsev,Zeynel Cebeci,thibaudaronson (www.inaturalist.org),Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Colchicaceae
- Genus:
- Colchicum
- Species:
- Colchicum speciosum
- USDA Symbol:
- COSP12
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 25 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, lavender
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to regions with well-drained soils in open woodlands and meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and may take several months to germinate. Typically propagated by corm division.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * must have summer heat to germinate; may take 6 years to germinate; grow seedlings @ 4°C x 1 month