The Colchicum genus is made up of 45 species of cormous perennials from alpine and subalpine meadows and stony hillsides in Europe, North Africa, Western and Central Asia, Northern India, and Western China. Often the goblet-shaped flowers precede the leaves or develop with them.
CareColchicums have various requirements (see individual species accounts), but all should be planted 4 inches deep in summer or early fall.
PropagationSow seed in containers as soon as ripe in an open frame. Separate corms when dormant in summer.
ProblemsGray mold (Botrytis) and slugs may be problems.
