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Description
Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily, also known as the Meadow Saffron, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Colchicaceae. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is known for its beautiful pink, lilac, or white flowers that bloom in the autumn or early spring. The plant has a bulbous root system and produces leaves in the spring which die down by mid-summer. The flowers emerge from the ground without leaves, and the leaves appear later in the season after the flowers have faded.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Colchicum |
Appearance
Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily has large, showy, and fragrant flowers that resemble waterlilies. The flowers are borne singly or in groups of up to five, on a tall stem that can reach up to 15cm in height. The petals are narrow and elongated and range from pink to lilac or white in color. The leaves are long and narrow, up to 30cm in length, and emerge from the ground in the spring. They die down by mid-summer, leaving the flowers to emerge from the ground without leaves.
Care Guide
Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily is an easy plant to care for, and the following tips will ensure that it thrives in your garden:
Water: This plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize in the fall or early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to large leaves and few flowers.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.
Sunlight: Grow in full sun or partial shade. It prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate some frost.
Hardiness Zones: Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves and flowers. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control them.
Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers. Use a slug bait or copper strip to prevent them from reaching the plant.
Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily is native to Europe and Western Asia and is commonly found in meadows, woodlands, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Questions and Answers
Q: When should I plant Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily?
A: Plant bulbs in the fall, 4-6 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
Q: Can I grow Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily in a container?
A: Yes, plant bulbs in a container that is at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
Q: How long do the flowers last?
A: The flowers can last for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Is Colchicum Autumnale Waterlily poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Related Plants
- Colchicum Autumnale
- Colchicum Byzantinum
- Colchicum Speciosum
- Colchicum Agrippinum
References
- “Colchicum autumnale.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=248100.
- “Colchicum autumnale.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/20809/Colchicum-autumnale/Details.
- “Colchicum autumnale.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchicum_autumnale.
