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Description
Colchicum Alpinum, also known as Alpine meadow saffron or Meadow Saffron, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Colchicaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial. The plant has a short stem and long leaves with large violet flowers that bloom in autumn, before the leaves appear. The flowers have a cup-shaped appearance and have six petals that are narrow and pointed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Colchicum |
Appearance
Colchicum Alpinum has long, narrow leaves that grow up to 20cm in length and 1cm in width. The leaves are a deep green color and are slightly glossy. The flowers are large, measuring around 5cm in diameter, and have a cup-shaped appearance. They are a beautiful violet color and have six petals that are narrow and pointed. The plant blooms in autumn, before the leaves appear, and the flowers last for around two weeks.
Care Guide
To care for your Colchicum Alpinum plant, follow these guidelines:Water: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but not overwatered. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Colchicum Alpinum prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should be rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.Hardiness Zones: Colchicum Alpinum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colchicum Alpinum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot if the soil is too damp. It is also important to watch out for slugs and snails, which may eat the leaves.
Habitat
Colchicum Alpinum is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in meadows, fields, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Colchicum Alpinum be grown indoors?
A: No, Colchicum Alpinum requires full sunlight and is best grown outdoors.Q: How often should I water my Colchicum Alpinum plant?
A: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but not overwatered. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q: When does Colchicum Alpinum bloom?
A: Colchicum Alpinum blooms in autumn, before the leaves appear.Q: How do I propagate Colchicum Alpinum?
A: Colchicum Alpinum can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Colchicum Alpinum:
- Colchicum autumnale
- Colchicum speciosum
- Colchicum luteum
- Colchicum cilicicum
References
- “Colchicum Alpinum (Alpine meadow saffron).” PlantFiles. Accessed August 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/107939/.
- “Colchicum Alpinum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/15762/colchicum-alpinum/details.
- “Colchicum Alpinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j900.
