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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one".  'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...

Mexican Lobelia



Lobelia is a diverse genus encompassing more than four hundred species. When it come to the perennial types, most are familiar with Lobelia cardinalis, the "Cardinal Flower". I've never been able to grow it successfully. I have learned that it is one of the few perennials that can be recommended for wet soils. Usually sitting right next to it on the nursery table is the Mexican Lobelia (Lobelia laxiflora) which is completely different in looks and temperament. 

A native of Mexico, Central America and Arizona, it thrives in drought-tolerant conditions and neglect. Too much water can result in the plant becoming rampant. I had first planted this in the hodgepodge border along the back of the house where it quickly became lost among its neighbors and no doubt, getting too much water. I moved it last fall to the border along our driveway. I didn't expect it to come back after the harsh winter we had (the hardiness factor is listed as 7) but was thrilled to see new growth this spring.

I like the looks of this plant with its narrow, willow-like leaves and of course for the tubular flowers which are red and orange with yellow centers. Needless to say, the hummingbirds love it. I've read that the growth is rampant but so far, ours grows in a tidy mound. It can reach 2-3 ft. in height and spread.

Apparently this plant was used for anti-flamatory purposes in ancient cultures. It contains a chemical that is being studied for neurological disorders.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I inherited Lobelia laxiflora with my current garden. It is indeed a hummingbird magnet. Coincidentally, I have a post scheduled to publish tomorrow featuring both hummingbirds and the Lobelia :)

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  2. I love the colors on your Mexican Lobelia! I have Lobelia aguana, and it's a polite spreader.

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    Replies
    1. tz_garden - I love your phrase "polite spreader"!

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