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Colchicum 'The Giant'

autumn crocus or naked ladies bulb

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Mauve-pink flowers, with a white centre, appear before the leaves in autumn creating a vibrant display in the garden. Suitable for naturalising, Colchicum 'The Giant' can also be used for creating dollops of colour at the front of the border or in pots. This cultivar is well over 100 years old and is still a very popular choice, being prized for its large, colourful flowers.

How to care for Colchicum The Giant:

Plant colchicum bulbs in naturalistic drifts, 15cm (6in) deep, in late July or August, wearing gloves to handle them safely. These bulbs often start producing shoots or flowers while dormant, which is normal due to their short rest period. Fragile growth may be damaged in transit but won’t affect the bulbs' long-term health.

If bulbs have shoots, plant them carefully without breaking any growth. For bulbs already in flower, place them on a sunny windowsill to enjoy before planting them outside once blooms fade, but before foliage appears. Once established, colchicums reliably flower for many years.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.15m
Eventual spread:
0.1m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationHumans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten

Product options

Product options image
BU30001203
1 × bulb
£6.99
available to order from autumn
Product options image
BU30001192
3 × bulbs
£19.00 £6.33 each
available to order from autumn
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Bulbs (only)£4.95

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