Colchicum baytopiorum (Baytop's meadow saffron) — Clump forming

Overview

Colchicum baytopiorum is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Colchicum, part of the Colchicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Colchicum baytopiorum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, rock garden, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.

About

Colchicum baytopiorum is a plant species native to western Turkey and to the Greek island of Rhodes (although possibly extinct there). It has small, bright pink-purple flowers measuring 4 cm (1.5") across. It is unusual in the genus in producing small leaves in autumn while in bloom, as opposed to producing leaves in spring. It has a chromosome number of 46, 54 or 108. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, rock garden, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Colchicum baytopiorum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Colchicum

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Colchicum baytopiorum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulbs
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Rock garden, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Colchicum baytopiorum

Propagation: Seed, separate corms when dormant in summer
Pest resistance: Susceptible to slugs
Disease resistance: Susceptible to bulb grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Colchicum baytopiorum?

Colchicum baytopiorum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Colchicum baytopiorum need?

Colchicum baytopiorum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.