{"product_id":"colchicum-glory-of-heemstede-corms","title":"Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' Corms","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Glory of Heemstede' is a beautiful autumn-flowering colchicum producing \u003cstrong\u003erich rose-purple flowers with contrasting white bases\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCommonly known as an \u003cstrong\u003eAutumn Crocus\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eNaked Lady\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Glory of Heemstede'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn Crocus, Naked Lady\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cormous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich rose-purple with a white base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 20cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun or light partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, clump-forming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy in the UK\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borders, gravel gardens, beneath deciduous shrubs and naturalising\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Glory of Heemstede' is an especially attractive colchicum distinguished by the combination of \u003cstrong\u003edeep rose-purple colouring, pale white flower bases and subtly chequered petals\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its upright flowers give it a neat appearance and make the blooms particularly effective when planted in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough colchicums are widely called Autumn Crocuses, they are not true crocuses. They belong to the genus \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e and have a distinctive growth cycle in which their flowers and foliage appear at completely different times of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpectacular Autumn Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlanting several corms together creates the greatest impact, producing a colony of colourful flowers at a time when relatively few traditional bulbs are in bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Are Colchicums Called Naked Ladies?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unusual common name \u003cstrong\u003eNaked Lady\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColchicum corms are best \u003cstrong\u003eplanted as soon as possible after arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e. They can begin flowering even when out of the ground, so early planting allows them to establish naturally in their permanent position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the corms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart\u003c\/strong\u003e. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid sites that remain persistently waterlogged, particularly during the dormant period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen planting in groups, allow enough room for each corm to develop and gradually increase. Established plants can eventually form substantial clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow Autumn Crocus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Glory of Heemstede' works particularly well towards the front of \u003cstrong\u003emixed borders, gravel gardens and beneath deciduous shrubs\u003c\/strong\u003e. It can also be planted through areas of low ground cover where the surrounding vegetation helps support the flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNaturalising Colchicums\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColchicums are excellent long-term garden plants. Once established and left relatively undisturbed, the corms can gradually multiply to create increasingly impressive autumn displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Through the Seasons\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unusual growth cycle of \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e is worth understanding. \u003cstrong\u003eFlowers appear in autumn\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWildlife Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAutumn-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant: Colchicum Is Toxic\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll parts of \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e contain \u003cstrong\u003ecolchicine and are poisonous if eaten\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich rose-purple autumn flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive contrasting white flower bases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubtle chequering across the petals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong, upright flowering habit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers when many summer plants are fading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy perennial suitable for UK gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent planted in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for borders and naturalistic planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually forms larger clumps once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturns year after year with minimal maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt flowers in autumn, producing rose-purple blooms after many traditional summer-flowering plants have finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does 'Glory of Heemstede' grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe flowers reach approximately 20cm tall and have a notably upright habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAn individual plant is typically around 10-15cm across, although established corms can multiply over time to produce increasingly broad clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant Colchicum corms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the corms approximately 10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart. Plant promptly after receiving them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does my Colchicum have leaves but no flowers in spring?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is completely normal. Colchicums produce their foliage in spring but flower separately in autumn. Allow the spring leaves to die back naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Colchicum the same as an Autumn Crocus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAutumn Crocus is a widely used common name for \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e, but colchicums are botanically distinct from true crocuses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Colchicum 'Glory of Heemstede' multiply?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Established corms can gradually produce offsets, developing into larger clumps and increasingly impressive displays over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003erich rose-purple colouring, delicate chequering and strong upright flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColchicum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Glory of Heemstede' is an excellent choice for extending the flowering season and bringing an unexpected splash of colour to the autumn garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Corm","offer_id":62373027971459,"sku":"JA-C5149","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Corms","offer_id":62373028004227,"sku":"JA-C5149x10","price":55.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Corms","offer_id":62373028036995,"sku":"JA-C5149x100","price":519.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Colchicum-Glory-of-Heemstede-square-scaled.webp?v=1789652559","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/colchicum-glory-of-heemstede-corms","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}