Tawny crocus, Naked lady
colchicum neapolitanum
Also known as: ["Naked lady","Tawny crocus","Autumn crocus"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with large, showy flowers that emerge from the ground without leaves in autumn, followed by strap-like leaves in spring.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Colchicum |
| Botanical Name: | Colchicum neapolitanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning (removal of dead or spent parts).
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 scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust based on seasonal light intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in autumn temperatures; tolerates mild frosts.
Protect from extreme cold; avoid excessive heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Use diluted fertilizer to prevent bulb burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in late spring.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs (corms); offsets form naturally after flowering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant at same depth as parent.
- Water lightly.
- Provide indirect light.
Best Time: Early spring or after flowering when new growth begins.
Environment
Warm, bright location with good air circulation; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite or sand).
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets establish quickly in one growing season; flowering may take 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Divide only when offsets are well-formed; plant immediately after division; avoid overwatering new plants.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stems at the base; allow foliage to die back naturally.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stems after blooming to redirect energy to bulb growth.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; do not cut back foliage until it yellows; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late spring to early summer during dormancy.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; inspect for damage; replant at original depth with fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; best when dormant.
Checklist
Check bulb health; use fresh soil mix; plant at correct depth; ensure drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in dormancy.
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 minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early summer); increase frequency in fall when growth resumes, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf damage or dormancy extension in excessive cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and induce dormancy; prolonged cold can damage bulbs if not protected.
Solution: Mulch bulbs in winter; avoid overwatering in cold; provide shelter from extreme frost.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, premature dormancy, or bulb rot if soil stays too wet.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; ensure excellent drainage; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize monthly in fall; cease during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Apply balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly during active growth (fall); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicColchicum neapolitanum is toxic to cats due to its colchicine content, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic toxicity. Cats are particularly sensitive to this compound.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe colchicine present in Colchicum neapolitanum is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects. Even small amounts can lead to serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicColchicum neapolitanum contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation, leading to severe physiological effects. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular issues, and potentially fatal systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Colchicum neapolitanum bloom?
A: It blooms in autumn, typically September to October, with flowers appearing before the leaves.
Q: Is Colchicum neapolitanum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should Colchicum neapolitanum be planted?
A: Plant the corms in well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded location, about 4-5 inches deep and spaced 3-4 inches apart.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Colchicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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