Colchicum speciosum
Colchicum speciosum | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
(unranked): | |
(unranked): | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | |
Species: | C. speciosum
|
Binomial name | |
Colchicum speciosum |
Colchicum speciosum (syn. C. giganteum) [1] is native to mountainous areas of northern Turkey and other parts of the Caucasus region. Colchicum bornmuelleri was once considered an independent species, but has now been included with Colchicum speciosum as Colchicum speciosum var. bornmuelleri, with a white centre and brownish anthers. [2] [3]
Colchicum speciosum blooms in the fall, producing reddish/violet flowers on stems up to 30 centimetres (12 in) tall without any leaves present. The leaves grow in the spring, then yellow, wither and die back as summer progresses.
Cultivation
This plant is a vigorous grower and does well in full sun to part shade locations and well-drained soils in most climates. Cultivars include the white 'Album'[4] which, together with its parent,[5] has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
-
C. speciosum close-up
-
C. speciosum var. bornmuelleri close-up
-
C. speciosum 'Album' clump
-
C. speciosum 'Album' close-up
References
- ^ World checklist of selected families
- ^ World checklist of selected families
- ^ Autumn Bulbs by Roy Leeds (B.T. Batsford Ltd) 2006 ISBN 0-7134-8962-6
- ^ http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=518
- ^ http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=2510