Colchicum ‘Waterlily’

Autumn crocus

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Flowers
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

Botanical name: Colchicum 'Waterlily'
Common name: Autumn crocus
Family: Colchiaceae
Plant Type: Bulb

Flower colour:

Blue

Foliage colour:

Green

Key features:
Flowers

Although often called autumn crocus, colchicums are not related to true crocuses. There are winter- and spring-flowering species, but the most common ones bloom in September and October. They flower when least expected, the large blooms suddenly appearing from the bare earth without any leaves – hence the common name naked ladies.

Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ bears dramatic, double pink-purple flowers similar to water lilies. The large, floppy foliage grows in spring and is best if hidden by shrubs and herbaceous plants. It’s ideal for naturalising in grass or at the front of a sunny border.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, so wear gloves when handling the bulbs.

How to grow Colchicum 'Waterlily'

Plant size

10cm height

10cm spread
Aspect

South facing, west facing
Position in border

Front

Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / well drained / light / sandy

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Plant
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowers
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Divide
Divide	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D