Here is another one where I am not sure I have a correctly identified plant, mostly, I suppose, because it is surely not the biggest colchicum on the block. On the other hand, I think Bowles’ description fits: “In C. giganteum the segments open out more widely and remain expanded at an angle of forty-five degrees, almost flat on the upper surface but with a tendency to be twisted towards the apex, and they resemble a Lily or Hippeastrum rather than a Tulip.” It does look rather lily-ish, doesn’t it? Bowles goes on to give it this recommendation: “It is a very distinct and beautiful plant, a strong grower, increasing well and flowering freely rather later than C. speciosum, which makes it valuable for lengthening the season of large-flowered colchicums.” In my garden this plant blooms concurrently with C. speciosum. Bryan describes it as ten to twelve inches tall. I didn’t think to measure them, but I think six to eight inches tall would be closer to the height mine had. Photo taken September 23.
About Kathy Purdy
Kathy Purdy discovered the joys of writing in fourth grade, when she started corresponding with a former classmate. She's been writing letters ever since, first on looseleaf, then electronically, and now as weblog entries. That makes you, the blog reader, her pen pal. Her first independent (though frustrating) attempts at gardening were made in high school, though the gardening bug didn't bite hard until her mid-thirties, when she found herself mistress of a rural home on 15 acres. • USDA Hardiness Zone:4 • AHS Heat Zone: 3 • Location: rural; Southern Tier of NY • Geographic type: foothills of Appalachian Mountains • Soil Type: acid clay • Experience level: intermediate • Particular interests: colchicums, narcissus, cottage gardening, NY native plants, gardening with/for children
