Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Colchicum 'Waterlily'
Plant Common Name
Double Autumn Crocus, Hybrid Autumn Crocus, Waterlily Autumn Crocus
General Description
Prized for its exquisite lilac-pink fall flowers that indeed resemble those of its namesake, 'Waterlily' originated in the early twentieth century from a cross between Colchicum autumnale 'Alboplenum' and Colchicum speciosum 'Album'. Although sometimes called "autumn crocus," it is not related to the genus Crocus, which is in the iris family.
This plant produces large handsome strap-shaped leaves in spring, which gather energy for the underground bulb-like storage organ, known as a corm. In late summer or early fall, about three months after the leaves have withered, plump buds arise on stalk-like floral tubes, opening to display their many petal-like segments. The corms may double or even triple in number each year, eventually forming a large clump that provides a spectacular fall show.
Colchicums do best in full to partial sun and deep, moist, fertile, well-drained soil. The corms are often planted under low groundcovers such as creeping juniper or ivy, which provide a green background and brace the blossoms against wind and rain. This lovely perennial is also perfect for bringing new life to the late-season perennial garden or shrub planting. The corms will bloom even if not in soil! Purchase them in mid- to late summer, so they can be planted before they bloom.
All parts of Colchicum contain the potent alkaloid colchicine; see http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Colchau.htm
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
5"-6" / 12.7cm - 15.2cm
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Width
8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Early Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
