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Description
Colchicum Speciosum, also known as Showy Colchicum, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Colchicaceae family. It is native to Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, and is widely cultivated for its beautiful flowers. It is a bulbous plant that produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink and purple in autumn. The flowers are often mistaken for crocuses but are actually a different species altogether.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Colchicum |
Appearance
Colchicum Speciosum is a bulbous plant that grows up to 15 cm tall. The leaves are long and narrow, resembling those of a crocus but are larger and more robust. The flowers are large, showy, and cup-shaped, with six petals in shades of pink and purple. They bloom in autumn, before the leaves appear, and can last for several weeks. The flowers are followed by seed pods that contain small, brown, triangular seeds.
Care Guide
Colchicum Speciosum is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season but reduce watering after flowering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Colchicum Speciosum prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colchicum Speciosum is generally pest and disease-free but may be susceptible to the following:
- Bulb Rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet or if the bulbs are damaged.
- Botrytis Blight: This can occur if the plant is grown in damp conditions.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Habitat
Colchicum Speciosum is native to Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, where it grows in rocky and mountainous areas. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Colchicum Speciosum be grown indoors?
A: No, it is not recommended to grow this plant indoors as it requires full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Colchicum Speciosum?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season but reduce watering after flowering.
Q: Can Colchicum Speciosum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the bulbs are not overcrowded.
Q: Is Colchicum Speciosum poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Related Plants
- Colchicum Autumnale
- Colchicum Byzantinum
- Colchicum Giganteum
- Colchicum Pannonicum
References
- “Colchicum speciosum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 June 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b861
- “Colchicum speciosum.” PlantFiles. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/855/
- “Colchicum speciosum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/594/Colchicum-speciosum/Details
