Colchicum agrippinum
Agrippa's autumn crocus
- Height × spread
- 0.1m × 0.1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A rather curious-looking autumn crocus. The long petalled blooms sit quite low on the ground and present their faces to the sky. The petals are curiously mottled and spotted in shades of lilac, pink and white. The patination is reminiscent of the humble fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris). At the heart of the colchicum is a zappy orange throat. The foliage, undulating and erect, with rather dull green leaves, comes in spring.
- Flower colour
- Mauve, Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.1m
- Spread
- 0.1m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Divide while dormant
Clumps of bulbs, corms or rhizomes can be divided in summer when the plant is dormant, or as the foliage dies away. The divided bulbs or corms can immediately be replanted at a little distance from each other, or moved to other locations.
Found in
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