. Native to the central and eastern Mediterranean, this charming species produces elegant goblet-shaped flowers in shades of soft lilac to rosy lavender, occasionally white. The blossoms emerge directly from the dormant corms and for me it seems to be more of a winter bloomer than what I would call fall.
The narrow, strap-like foliage follows during winter, remaining fresh through the cool season before dying back in late spring as the plant enters its summer dormancy. Its compact stature makes it an ideal choice for alpine gardens, troughs, bulb frames, or the front of a well-drained rock garden, where the delicate flowers can be appreciated at close range.
Remarkably easy to cultivate, C. cupanii thrives in fertile, sharply drained soil with moisture during the winter growing season and a warm, relatively dry summer rest. It is among the most reliable of the smaller autumn-flowering Colchicum species and will slowly form attractive colonies when left undisturbed. Its refined proportions and early bloom make it an indispensable bulb for extending the gardening season.
Height: 3–6 in. (8–15 cm)
Bloom Season: Late summer to early autumn (flowers before foliage)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9
Culture: Full sun to light shade; fertile, well-drained soil; winter moisture with a relatively dry summer dormancy.
. Native to the central and eastern Mediterranean, this charming species produces elegant goblet-shaped flowers in shades of soft lilac to rosy lavender, occasionally white. The blossoms emerge directly from the dormant corms and for me it seems to be more of a winter bloomer than what I would call fall.
The narrow, strap-like foliage follows during winter, remaining fresh through the cool season before dying back in late spring as the plant enters its summer dormancy. Its compact stature makes it an ideal choice for alpine gardens, troughs, bulb frames, or the front of a well-drained rock garden, where the delicate flowers can be appreciated at close range.
Remarkably easy to cultivate, C. cupanii thrives in fertile, sharply drained soil with moisture during the winter growing season and a warm, relatively dry summer rest. It is among the most reliable of the smaller autumn-flowering Colchicum species and will slowly form attractive colonies when left undisturbed. Its refined proportions and early bloom make it an indispensable bulb for extending the gardening season.
Height: 3–6 in. (8–15 cm)
Bloom Season: Late summer to early autumn (flowers before foliage)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9
Culture: Full sun to light shade; fertile, well-drained soil; winter moisture with a relatively dry summer dormancy.