Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' is a beautiful autumn-flowering colchicum producing rich rose-purple flowers with contrasting white bases. The petals display delicate chequering that adds texture and interest to the blooms, while the flowers have a particularly good upright habit that makes them stand proudly above the ground.

Commonly known as an Autumn Crocus or Naked Lady, colchicums provide an impressive burst of colour when much of the summer garden is beginning to fade. The flowers emerge directly from the ground in autumn without accompanying foliage, creating their characteristic 'naked' appearance. The broad green leaves appear separately in spring.

• Botanical name: Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'
• Common names: Autumn Crocus, Naked Lady
• Plant type: Cormous perennial
• Flower colour: Rich rose-purple with a white base
• Flowering time: Autumn
• Height: Approximately 20cm
• Spread: Approximately 10-15cm
• Position: Full sun or light partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK
• Ideal for: Borders, gravel gardens, beneath deciduous shrubs and naturalising

About Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'

'Glory of Heemstede' is an especially attractive colchicum distinguished by the combination of deep rose-purple colouring, pale white flower bases and subtly chequered petals. Its upright flowers give it a neat appearance and make the blooms particularly effective when planted in groups.

Although colchicums are widely called Autumn Crocuses, they are not true crocuses. They belong to the genus Colchicum and have a distinctive growth cycle in which their flowers and foliage appear at completely different times of year.

Spectacular Autumn Flowers

The flowers emerge from the ground during autumn, often appearing surprisingly quickly once growth begins. Each large, goblet-shaped bloom is carried on a pale floral tube, with the rose-purple petals opening above. The subtle chequering of 'Glory of Heemstede' becomes particularly attractive when viewed at close range.

Planting several corms together creates the greatest impact, producing a colony of colourful flowers at a time when relatively few traditional bulbs are in bloom.

Why Are Colchicums Called Naked Ladies?

The unusual common name Naked Lady refers to the way colchicum flowers emerge without any accompanying leaves. The flowers appear alone in autumn, while the foliage follows several months later in spring.

After flowering, the plant remains dormant above ground through winter. Broad, substantial green leaves then emerge in spring. These should be allowed to grow and die back naturally because they replenish the underground corm and provide the energy needed for the following autumn's flowers.

How to Plant Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'

Colchicum corms are best planted as soon as possible after arrival. They can begin flowering even when out of the ground, so early planting allows them to establish naturally in their permanent position.

Plant the corms approximately 10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid sites that remain persistently waterlogged, particularly during the dormant period.

When planting in groups, allow enough room for each corm to develop and gradually increase. Established plants can eventually form substantial clumps.

Where to Grow Autumn Crocus

'Glory of Heemstede' works particularly well towards the front of mixed borders, gravel gardens and beneath deciduous shrubs. It can also be planted through areas of low ground cover where the surrounding vegetation helps support the flowers.

Because the spring foliage is considerably larger than the autumn flowers, choose a position where the leaves can develop without overwhelming smaller neighbouring plants. Planting amongst later-emerging perennials can help disguise the foliage as it begins to die back.

Naturalising Colchicums

Colchicums are excellent long-term garden plants. Once established and left relatively undisturbed, the corms can gradually multiply to create increasingly impressive autumn displays.

For a naturalistic effect, plant several corms in informal groups rather than evenly spaced rows. Over subsequent seasons these groups can develop into attractive colonies of autumn flowers.

Growing Through the Seasons

The unusual growth cycle of Colchicum is worth understanding. Flowers appear in autumn, followed by a period with little or no visible growth above ground. The leaves then emerge in spring, usually developing into a substantial clump of broad green foliage.

Allow this foliage to yellow and die naturally before removing it. Cutting healthy leaves down prematurely reduces the plant's ability to store energy and may result in fewer flowers the following autumn.

Wildlife Benefits

Autumn-flowering plants help extend the season of floral interest in the garden and can provide additional opportunities for insects that remain active during suitable autumn weather. Growing colchicums alongside other late-flowering plants helps create a garden with flowers available across a longer part of the year.

Important: Colchicum Is Toxic

All parts of Colchicum contain colchicine and are poisonous if eaten. The plant should not be confused with edible crocus species or wild garlic. Wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin and position plants appropriately where children or pets are likely to investigate garden plants.

Why Grow Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'?

• Rich rose-purple autumn flowers
• Attractive contrasting white flower bases
• Subtle chequering across the petals
• Strong, upright flowering habit
• Flowers when many summer plants are fading
• Hardy perennial suitable for UK gardens
• Excellent planted in groups
• Suitable for borders and naturalistic planting
• Gradually forms larger clumps once established
• Returns year after year with minimal maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' flower?
It flowers in autumn, producing rose-purple blooms after many traditional summer-flowering plants have finished.

How tall does 'Glory of Heemstede' grow?
The flowers reach approximately 20cm tall and have a notably upright habit.

What is the spread of Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'?
An individual plant is typically around 10-15cm across, although established corms can multiply over time to produce increasingly broad clumps.

How deep should I plant Colchicum corms?
Plant the corms approximately 10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart. Plant promptly after receiving them.

Why does my Colchicum have leaves but no flowers in spring?
This is completely normal. Colchicums produce their foliage in spring but flower separately in autumn. Allow the spring leaves to die back naturally.

Is Colchicum the same as an Autumn Crocus?
Autumn Crocus is a widely used common name for Colchicum, but colchicums are botanically distinct from true crocuses.

Will Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' multiply?
Yes. Established corms can gradually produce offsets, developing into larger clumps and increasingly impressive displays over time.

With its rich rose-purple colouring, delicate chequering and strong upright flowers, Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' is an excellent choice for extending the flowering season and bringing an unexpected splash of colour to the autumn garden.