{"product_id":"colchicum-bornmuelleri-corms","title":"Colchicum bornmuelleri Corms","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e is a beautiful \u003cstrong\u003eautumn-flowering colchicum\u003c\/strong\u003e, producing elegant violet flowers at a time when much of the garden is beginning to fade. Commonly referred to as an \u003cstrong\u003eAutumn Crocus\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eNaked Lady\u003c\/strong\u003e, its crocus-like flowers emerge directly from the ground without foliage, creating an eye-catching display during September and October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing to around 15cm tall, \u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e is ideal for the front of borders, gravel gardens, beneath deciduous shrubs and amongst low-growing perennials. Once established, the corms can gradually increase to produce increasingly impressive clusters of autumn flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn Crocus, Naked Ladies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy, autumn-flowering cormous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Violet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e September-October\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15cm (6in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10-20cm, gradually forming larger clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting distance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 20cm apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borders, gravel gardens, naturalistic planting and autumn colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Colchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e is grown for its attractive \u003cstrong\u003eviolet, goblet-shaped flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e, which appear in autumn. Despite its common name of Autumn Crocus, it is not a true crocus. Colchicums belong to the Colchicaceae family and have their own distinctive growth cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers emerge seemingly from bare ground in September and October, without accompanying leaves. This unusual characteristic has given colchicums the familiar name \u003cstrong\u003eNaked Ladies\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their unexpected appearance can provide a valuable burst of colour between the main summer flowering season and the onset of winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAutumn Flowers Without Foliage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most interesting features of \u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e is its seasonal growth pattern. The flowers appear independently in autumn, while the foliage develops separately, usually during spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe spring leaves are important because they replenish the underground corm and provide the energy required for the following autumn's flowers. Allow the foliage to remain in place until it has naturally yellowed and died back rather than cutting it down while still green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Colchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a \u003cstrong\u003esunny position with well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e. Colchicums can remain undisturbed for many years, so it is worth selecting a permanent position where their spring foliage can mature naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe front of a mixed border is an excellent choice, as are gravel gardens and sunny areas beneath deciduous shrubs. They can also be planted amongst low-growing ground-cover plants, allowing the violet flowers to emerge through surrounding vegetation in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Colchicum bornmuelleri Corms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColchicum corms should be \u003cstrong\u003eplanted as soon as possible after arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e. Unlike many spring-flowering bulbs that can wait until later in autumn, colchicums naturally begin their flowering cycle relatively early and may attempt to flower even before they have been planted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the corms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the growing point facing upwards. Water after planting if the soil is particularly dry, but avoid positions that remain waterlogged during winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most effective display, plant several corms together in informal groups. Over time established plants can increase to create larger clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Colchicums in the UK\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e is well suited to UK gardens provided it has adequate drainage. Once planted, established corms require relatively little attention and can return reliably each autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHeavy soils should be improved before planting by incorporating organic matter and suitable drainage material where necessary. Avoid planting in areas where water regularly collects during winter, as prolonged waterlogging can cause the corms to deteriorate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNaturalising Colchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough each plant initially occupies relatively little space, established corms can gradually multiply to produce \u003cstrong\u003elarger flowering clumps\u003c\/strong\u003e. Allowing them to remain undisturbed is generally the best way to achieve a more impressive display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf established clumps eventually become overcrowded, they can be carefully lifted and divided while dormant. The separated corms can then be replanted to establish new groups elsewhere in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanting Companions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe violet flowers look particularly attractive amongst low-growing green foliage and alongside other late-season plants. They can also be used with other colchicum varieties to create a mixture of pink, violet and white autumn flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen choosing companion plants, remember that colchicums produce relatively substantial foliage in spring. Positioning them amongst perennials that develop later in the season can help disguise the leaves as they begin to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant: Colchicum Is Toxic\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll parts of \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e are poisonous if eaten\u003c\/strong\u003e and contain colchicine. The plant should not be confused with edible crocus species or wild garlic. Wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin, and plant with appropriate care where children or pets have access to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Colchicum bornmuelleri?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant violet autumn flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers during September and October\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnusual flowers emerge without foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact height of approximately 15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for extending seasonal garden colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for sunny borders and gravel gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan gradually develop into larger clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-maintenance once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturns year after year in suitable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Colchicum bornmuelleri flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt flowers in autumn, typically during September and October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Colchicum bornmuelleri grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe flowers reach approximately 15cm (6in) tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of Colchicum bornmuelleri?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAllow approximately 10-20cm for an individual plant. Established corms can gradually multiply and form considerably wider clumps over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should I plant Colchicum corms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant them as soon as possible after receiving them. Colchicums have an early autumn flowering cycle and should not be stored unnecessarily before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should Colchicum bornmuelleri be planted?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the corms approximately 10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart in well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does my Colchicum flower without leaves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is completely normal. Colchicums produce their flowers in autumn without foliage, which explains the common name Naked Ladies. Their leaves appear separately during spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Colchicum bornmuelleri the same as a crocus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Although commonly called Autumn Crocus because of the similarity of its flowers, \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to a different plant family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Colchicum poisonous?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and should never be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its distinctive growth cycle and \u003cstrong\u003erich violet flowers appearing in September and October\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColchicum bornmuelleri\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent choice for extending garden interest well beyond summer. Plant the corms promptly in a sunny, well-drained position and they can provide an increasingly attractive autumn display for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Corm","offer_id":62373025382787,"sku":"JA-C5130","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10 Corms","offer_id":62373025415555,"sku":"JA-C5130x10","price":51.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"100 Corms","offer_id":62373025448323,"sku":"JA-C5130x100","price":479.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/C5130_Colchicum_bornmuelleri.webp?v=1789653636","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/colchicum-bornmuelleri-corms","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}