Waterlily colchicum Colchicum 'Waterlily' (d)
ABOUT
The plant known as Waterlily Autumn Crocus is a unique and visually striking plant. It is renowned for its beautiful and large double flowers that closely resemble those of a waterlily, which is how it got its common name. The bloom colors are typically a soft lavender-pink, providing a gentle splash of color. The petals have a shiny, silky appearance and create an overall lush and rounded shape resembling the aquatic flower they are named after. The foliage of this plant is typically glossy and arrives in spring, serving as a backdrop to the spectacular autumn blooms. After the leaves wither away in summer, the enchanting flowers of the Waterlily Autumn Crocus emerge from the ground in the fall, providing a surprisingly delightful spectacle when most other plants are preparing for dormancy.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Colchicaceae
Synonyms
Waterlily Colchicum, Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Lady
Common names
Colchicum autumnale 'Waterlily'.
ToxicityTo humans
Autumn crocus is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain colchicine, a substance that can be fatal in large doses. Symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can lead to severe health issues like kidney failure, respiratory failure, and bone marrow suppression. Accidental ingestion can be fatal, and medical attention is required immediately upon suspicion of poisoning.
To pets
Autumn crocus is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to the effects on humans, ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain. More severe signs include seizures, liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure, and even death. Immediate veterinary care is critical if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Colchicum 'Waterlily' offers stunning, waterlily-like flowers that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the fall when many other plants are waning, providing unique seasonal interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in the right conditions.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing long-term value for gardeners.
- Naturalizing: Over time, Colchicum 'Waterlily' can spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger displays of its blooms.
- Pollinator Attraction: Can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistance: Often resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in a variety of settings, such as borders, rock gardens, and under trees or shrubs.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Its active compound, colchicine, can reduce inflammation and is used to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever.
- Antimitotic: Colchicine inhibits cell division, which is useful for the treatment of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation.
- Analgesic: It may help relieve pain associated with gouty arthritis.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Due to its unique and attractive double-petaled flowers, the Colchicum 'Waterlily', commonly known as Waterlily Autumn Crocus, is popular among photographers, especially those specializing in plant and nature photography.
- Garden Design: Garden designers often use Waterlily Autumn Crocus for creating a 'water-themed' garden segment, utilizing its waterlily-like blooms to simulate the appearance of a pond or water feature.
- Wedding Decor: The Waterlily Autumn Crocus is occasionally used in fall wedding bouquets or as part of the decorative arrangements for its elegant blooms that complement rustic wedding themes.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators sometimes use the Waterlily Autumn Crocus as a live specimen to teach students about plant propagation, particularly the process known as 'corm division'.
- Flower Arranging Classes: This plant is used in flower arranging classes to teach students about working with autumn-blooming plants and how to provide care for cut flowers with a short vase life.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate flower structure and color of the Waterlily Autumn Crocus for paintings, illustrations, or textile designs.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not edible, the flowers are occasionally used as a temporary ornamental garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations, making sure they are removed before consumption.
- Color Theme Planning: The vibrant lavender-pink hues of the Waterlily Autumn Crocus blooms are used by event planners to develop color themes for various occasions in the appropriate season.
- Bee-Friendly Gardens: This plant is incorporated into bee-friendly gardens as a late-season food source for bees, providing nectar when other flowers have ceased blooming.
- Craft Projects: Dried flowers of the Waterlily Autumn Crocus can be used in craft projects such as pressed flower art or in the creation of natural potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Colchicum 'Waterlily' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Colchicum 'Waterlily' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Colchicum, commonly known as autumn crocus, often symbolizes endurance because it blooms in the fall, often pushing through the fallen leaves and representing persistence against the odds.
- Rebirth: The autumn crocus is a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings as it emerges at a time when many plants are dying back or going dormant. It signifies hope in life cycles and the continuity of nature.
- A note of caution or danger: Due to the plant's toxicity, it is sometimes associated with a warning or the idea of lurking danger, serving as a reminder to be cautious and respectful of nature's power.
WaterAutumn crocus, commonly known as 'Waterlily', typically requires minimal watering as it is naturally adapted to a dormant period in summer followed by growth in autumn. Water these plants sparingly, allowing the soil to become quite dry before watering again. During active growth in the fall, provide the plant with approximately 1 gallon of water every week to ten days, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. When the plant is not in active growth, during summer dormancy, reduce watering significantly. It's essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightAutumn crocus thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded from the more intense afternoon rays, or a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid deep shade as this can hinder flower development.
TemperatureThe autumn crocus prefers moderate temperature conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle maximum temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for robust growth is within the range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningAutumn crocus does not require traditional pruning but deadheading spent flowers can encourage bulb health. Remove any yellowing or withered leaves in late spring after they have fully died back to preserve the plant's appearance and redirect energy to the bulb. Pruning is typically needed once a year, after the foliage has turned yellow and died down naturally.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Water Lily (Autumn Crocus) should be rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH around 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage is ideal for healthy growth.
RepottingWater Lily (Autumn Crocus) bulbs do not require frequent repotting and can typically remain undisturbed for several years. Assess the need for repotting every 4 to 5 years, ideally when the plant becomes overcrowded or the soil is exhausted.
Humidity & MistingWater Lily (Autumn Crocus) plants are not particularly humidity dependent. They thrive in average outdoor humidity levels and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in situ.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part sun to light shade; ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Waterlily' Autumn Crocus begins with a bulb-like structure called a corm, which is typically planted in late summer or early fall. During the autumn, the plant produces lush, double-petaled, lilac-pink flowers resembling waterlilies, without any foliage, which emerges later. Following the blooming period, the corm goes dormant in the winter, conserving energy underground. In the spring, foliage appears in the form of strappy leaves, which photosynthesize and replenish the corm. After the leaves die back in early summer, the corm enters a brief period of dormancy before the cycle repeats with the autumn bloom. This perennial plant continues this cycle year after year, with the potential to naturalize and spread in favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Autumn
The Colchicum 'Waterlily', commonly known as Waterlily autumn crocus, is generally propagated by dividing its corms, which are the swollen underground storage organs akin to bulbs. The best time to divide and replant these corms is in late summer after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the mature corms and gently separate the smaller cormels that form around the base of the parent corm. These can be immediately replanted about 3 inches deep (about 7.6 centimeters) and spaced approximately 6 inches apart (about 15.2 centimeters) in well-draining soil. Keep the newly planted corms in a location that receives full or partial sunlight, and water them moderately to establish. This method of vegetative propagation is favored for maintaining the purity of the cultivar since it ensures that the new plants will be genetically identical to the parent.
