Description
This is a fairly recently described new, Greek, species which was named by Karin Persson on 1997 as a new species of the autumnale/haynaldii group.
Rather than growing over limestone, as do many Colchicum species, Colchicum confusum appears to favour serpentine-based, and other heavy-metal rich, soils in the wild, rather like C. variegatum does. Also like that species, this does not require serpentine soils or heavy metals in its compost, in cultivation.
This species has thicker, darker-coloured tunics when compared to its nearest relatives and although a little smaller than, for example, C.autumnale it still makes good sized, bright pink flowers in small clusters. These have wider petals and are of a darker pink than the related species and they usually have a distinct, if diffuse, tessellation (chequering). You can see this in some of our pictures.
Flowering is in September and October. This is less inclined than many species to make offset bulbs, it is simply the nature of the plant, however it is readily grown and it makes good growth and size, without too much trouble. We use a well-drained, loam-based compost in raised beds, but the plant will grow in a sunny garden situation also and being a mountain plant, it is fully hardy.
Raised from a R+R.Wallis 00-29 collection.
