Tunisian Colchicum

colchicum longifolium

Also known as: ["Tunisian Meadow Saffron","Long-leaved Colchicum"]

Family: Colchicaceae Genus: Colchicum Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial bulbous plant native to North Africa, known for its striking autumn-blooming flowers and long, strap-like leaves that appear after flowering.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Colchicum
Botanical Name: Colchicum longifolium

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, border, or naturalized in grassy areas
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Soft, mushy bulbs indicate rot due to poor drainage or overwatering; yellowing foliage may signal waterlogging or nutrient issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust shade levels seasonally.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with added organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if necessary.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; prefers cool temperatures (50–65°F/10–18°C) during growth; tolerates frost but requires well-drained soil to prevent rot.

Protect from extreme cold with mulch; avoid overwatering in heat; adjust sunlight exposure seasonally.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy

Use a bulb-specific fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing.

Propagation

Methods

Division of bulbs; best done after foliage dies back in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Dig up clumps carefully.
  2. Separate bulbs by hand.
  3. Replant at the same depth.
  4. Water lightly.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer, when bulbs are dormant but before new growth begins.

Environment

Cool, dry conditions during dormancy; partial shade during active growth.

Medium

Well-drained soil mix (e.g., cactus mix or sandy loam) with added perlite or grit.

Hormone

Not necessary for bulb division.

Timeline

Bulbs can be planted immediately; flowering typically occurs the following autumn.

Tools Needed

Garden fork, sharp knife (for tough roots), gloves.

Quick Tips

Divide only when necessary; replant bulbs at the same depth; avoid excessive watering post-division.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stems at the base; allow foliage to die back naturally.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stems after blooming to tidy appearance.

Tools

Hand pruners or sharp scissors.

Checklist

Wait until flowering is complete; cut stems cleanly; avoid damaging bulb or emerging foliage.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late spring to early summer, after foliage dies back.

Pot Size

No size increase needed unless bulbs are extremely crowded.

Method

Gently lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-drained soil.

Suggestions

Not typically required; bulbs are best left undisturbed once established.

Checklist

Check for overcrowding; use well-drained soil; replant at original depth; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during dormancy (summer); increase frequency in fall when foliage emerges, then reduce as flowers appear in late winter/early spring.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing or browning of foliage; stunted growth; bulb rot in excessively wet, cold conditions.

Cold Stress

Bulbs can rot if soil remains waterlogged in cold temperatures; foliage may wilt or discolor if exposed to prolonged freezing without protection.

Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; apply a layer of mulch to insulate bulbs; avoid overwatering in cold weather.

Hot Stress

Bulbs may fail to emerge or bloom if exposed to excessive heat during dormancy; foliage may scorch in intense sun.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; ensure soil remains dry during dormancy; water deeply if heat persists beyond dormancy.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; apply sparingly; avoid during dormancy.

Fertilizing Method

Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as foliage emerges; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Colchicum longifolium may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Colchicum longifolium can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogen infestation, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Colchicum longifolium may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or bulb rot, in Colchicum longifolium is often caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Colchicum longifolium is toxic to cats due to its colchicine content, which disrupts cellular processes and can lead to severe poisoning. Cats are particularly sensitive to this compound.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy abdominal pain difficulty breathing weakness death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb corm flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from cats. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Dogs
Toxic

Colchicine in Colchicum longifolium is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects. Even small amounts can lead to serious health complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy abdominal pain difficulty breathing weakness death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb corm flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Colchicum longifolium contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that interferes with cell division and can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic toxicity. The plant's effects are dose-dependent and can be life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing paralysis death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb corm flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest any part of the plant. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Colchicum longifolium toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Q: When does Colchicum longifolium bloom?

A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to October.

Q: Does this plant require special care?

A: It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; minimal maintenance is needed once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Colchicaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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