Colchicum speciosum

Colchicum speciosum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Liliales
Family:	Colchicaceae
Genus:	Colchicum
Species:	C. speciosum
Binomial name
Colchicum speciosum Steven

Colchicum speciosum (syn. C. giganteum) ^[1] is native to mountainous areas of northern Turkey and other parts of the Caucasus region. Colchicum bornmuelleri was once considered an independent species, but has now been included with Colchicum speciosum as Colchicum speciosum var. bornmuelleri, with a white centre. ^{[2] [3]}

Colchicum speciosum blooms in the fall, producing reddish/violet flowers on stems up to 30 centimetres (12 in) tall without any leaves present. The leaves grow in the spring, then yellow, wither and die back as summer progresses.

Cultivation

This plant is a vigorous grower and does well in full sun to part shade locations and well-drained soils in most climates. Cultivars include the white 'Album'.

References

1. ^ World checklist of selected families
2. ^ World checklist of selected families
3. ^ Autumn Bulbs by Roy Leeds (B.T. Batsford Ltd) 2006 ISBN 0 713 489 626