Colchicum macrophyllum - Autumn Crocus

Colchicum macrophyllum, called checkered colchicum or large-leaved colchicum, is a rare species interesting for Mediterranean gardens. Unlike the autumn crocus, which prefers cool meadows in temperate regions, this one comes from the Aegean region, where the summer is dry. Its flowers appear in autumn, directly at ground level, as large pale pink cups heavily marbled and veined with mauve pink. It is suitable for rock gardens, stony slopes, and very well-drained borders.

This species belongs to the Colchicaceae family. It is known by several vernacular names, including checkered colchicum, large-leaved colchicum, Cretan colchicum and variegated colchicum. Its main botanical synonym is Colchicum latifolium var. longistylum. It is a perennial cormous plant, a swollen underground organ that stores reserves. Colchicum macrophyllum grows naturally in Greece, Crete, several Aegean islands and in southwestern Turkey. It is found on grassy slopes, in olive groves, scrub and rocky terrain, often at low or medium altitudes. Its cycle is well suited to these Mediterranean environments: flowers appear with the return of autumn rains, leaves develop in spring, then all vegetation disappears before the summer drought. In flower, it reaches 10 to 20 cm in height. Each corm produces one to four flowers, sometimes more on well-established specimens. The corollas measure 6 to 8 cm in diameter. They are white, pale lilac or rosy mauve, adorned with a darker pattern reminiscent of a checkerboard. The six tepals open wide in mild weather. In spring, the plant completely changes appearance: it produces large basal leaves, medium green, lanceolate, more or less plicate, reaching 35 to 40 cm long. This foliage feeds the corm, then yellows naturally before summer. The plant then enters dormancy. The fruits, visible in spring among the leaves, are elongated capsules with three valves. The corms slowly enlarge and multiply; they withstand -15°C at a pinch in well-drained soil.
The name macrophyllum means 'large-leaved', distinguishing this species from many colchicums with more discreet foliage. Like all colchicums, the plant is toxic in all its parts and must not be confused with a crocus or edible saffron.

In the garden, this colchicum is planted in small groups in loose, well-drained, fairly fertile soil that receives autumn and spring rains but dries out in summer. It is well suited to Mediterranean gardens, but can also be grown elsewhere if its needs are met. It can be planted at the base of deciduous shrubs, on a stony slope enriched with compost, or in a rock garden that is not too poor. Allow enough space for its large leaves to spread out. It pairs well with autumn crocuses, hardy cyclamen, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ and groundcover perennials such as Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’.