Overview
Colchicum hungaricum is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Colchicum, part of the Colchicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Colchicum hungaricum 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 hungaricum, commonly known as the Hungarian crocus, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Colchicum. It is distinguished by its white to pinkish-lilac flowers that emerge in very early spring. It is native to Albania, Hungary and NW. Balkan Pen.. 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 hungaricum
About the genus
Colchicum is a genus of perennial flowering plants containing around 160 species which grow from bulb-like corms. It is a member of the botanical family Colchicaceae, and is native to West Asia, Europe, parts of the Mediterranean coast, down the East African coast to South Africa and the Western Cape. In this genus, the ovary of the flower is underground.
Wikipedia contributors, "Colchicum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Colchicum
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 hungaricum 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 hungaricum
- 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 hungaricum?
Colchicum hungaricum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Colchicum hungaricum need?
Colchicum hungaricum 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.
Is Colchicum hungaricum hardy in the UK?
Colchicum hungaricum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Colchicum hungaricum?
Seed, separate corms when dormant in summer.