August 17, 2001, Newsletter Issue #39: Plant Naked Ladies Now!

Tip of the Week

The Autumn Crocus
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The main species is Colchicum autumnale. The first thing that strikes you when buying the corms is their size.
They are massive, about six inches in circumference and shiny chestnut brown. They are expensive, however each corm will produce six to eight urn shaped flowers, so you don`t need many corms to give a good show.
The Old-English country name of naked ladies is a reference to the fact that Colchicum leaves develop in spring, long after the flowers.
The foliage dies down in summer.

Choosing and Planting Corms.
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As with all corms, buy the biggest and only those that are firm to the touch. Colchicums do not stay dormant long, so plant them as soon as you buy them.
They will in fact bloom in a few weeks sat in a saucer of water on the window sill indoors, however this exhausts the corms.
Best to plant outdoors in a sunny open position in any good free-draining soil.
Cover the corms with 4" of soil and water if the soil is very dry.

A Selection Of Colchicums To Look Out For.
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Colchicum autumnale: Lilac purple wine glass-shaped flowers.
Colchicum autumnale "Albo Plenum": Snow-white rounded, double white flowers.
Colchicum "Beaconsfield": Large goblet-shaped pink.
Colchicum "The Giant": Extra large mauve flowers.
Colchicum "Lilac Wonder": Deep lilac pink flowers.
Colchicum "Waterlily": Exquisite double pink blooms which, as the name suggests resemble waterlilies.

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