Colchicum 2013

[Brian Ellis]

It resembles the cv. 'Lilac Wonder' very much.

I believe I have been sold the wrong bulb so will change the former post, my apologies.

[hadacekf]

A friend of mine took these pictures of Colchicum autumnale in Carinthia. It is the southernmost province of Austria.

[Maggi Young]

A friend of mine took these pictures of Colchicum autumnale in Carinthia. It is the southernmost province of Austria.

Oh my word! So many!  I think the proper term is  "locally plentiful" 
Thanks to you and your kind friend, Franz, for sharing these wonderful views. 

[Armin]

What an unusual rare display and beauty - like a crocus meadow

I wonder if the meadow is utilized by a farmer? Certainly not !!!
The colchicums are the most unpleased weeds for farmers due being poisonous in all parts of the plant and harmful for most working animals/humans too.
The poison 'colchicine' is not degraded by drying or silage. Once absorbed it egests in the milk, too.

In order to eradict the colchicum population it is recommended to some sources to cut the meadow 3 times frequently through the early season and if not sufficient run flat the meadow with a heavy roller! The most effective method ist to use a roller with long spikes to sting the bulbs...

It is an example of the conflict of a save food chain and nature protection...

[Gerdk]

Hi Armin,
Interesting information how to get rid of this 'weed' - from the farmers
point of view.
It seems cattle is able to avoid colchicums when grazing. Last week
I saw some cows on a pasture near Nettersheim/Eifel togehter with
hundreds of flowering plants.

Gerd

[krisderaeymaeker]

Amazing C. autumnale that Franz showed us ! Thanks for sharing .
 
Interesting remarks from Armin and Gerd. Never looked at it in that way ....

Here Colchicum tenorii in the garden . I can recommanded it for rockgardeners because it is a bit smaller (see the difference with autumnale on one of the pictures)The flowers are more delicate.
I used to grow it in pots but now it is in the garden for two years and it seems hardy enough here. 

[pehe]

The tiny Colchicum filifolium is flowering now

[fermi de Sousa]

That's a little cutie, Poul,
How wide is it from petal-tip to petal-tip?
It's one I'll have to look out for on the seed lists!
cheers
fermi

[Armin]

Hi Armin,
Interesting information how to get rid of this 'weed' - from the farmers
point of view.
It seems cattle is able to avoid colchicums when grazing. Last week
I saw some cows on a pasture near Nettersheim/Eifel togehter with
hundreds of flowering plants.
Gerd

Adult & experienced cattle and horses don't eat it as a rule. The risk of poisoning is higher for young, unexperienced animals and by feeding colchicum leaves and seed in hay. Sheep and goats seem to be less sensitive and can eat higher amounts of colchicums without an visible effect but they egest the poison via the milk... Especial hobby horse & pony keepers fear a poisoning.

[pehe]

That's a little cutie, Poul,
How wide is it from petal-tip to petal-tip?
It's one I'll have to look out for on the seed lists!
cheers
fermi

Fermi, yes it is cute - only 4 cm from petal tip to petal tip. It loves a hot bake so I think it will thrive by you. If I get seeds, I will reserve some for you.

Poul

[mark smyth]

I don't think Colchicums can be divided now but will check tomorrow by looking at those growing in pots outside. I think from memory roots are developed too much.

[David Nicholson]

I don't think Colchicums can be divided now but will check tomorrow by looking at those growing in pots outside. I think from memory roots are developed too much.

Look at last week's Bulb Log

[Boyed]

Look at last week's Bulb Log

I don't think it is a good idea to replant them when they have roots. Unlike fritillarias, their roots don't form secondary roots (i.e. don't recover) when damaged. Doing so you will never get large-sized replacement bulbs the following year. Though if the roots are very short and if the replanting is done very carefully without damage, it will work.

[mark smyth]

The proof that Colchicums can not be lifted and moved at this time of year. Whats not obvious from the photo are the mass of roots through the planting mix

[mark smyth]

In my experience the best time to move Colchicums is as soon as the old leaves are cut away