Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques doubles roses aux nombreux pétales étroits. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.
Corm Colchicaceae

Waterlily Colchicum

Colchicum autumnale ‘Waterlily’

Waterlily Autumn Crocus produces beautiful double lilac-pink flowers that resemble water lilies. This elegant variety brings refined beauty to autumn gardens.
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Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
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Quantity
1 corm
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
Zone 4

Discover the plant

Common nameWaterlily Autumn Crocus
FamilyColchicaceae
GenusColchicum
TypeCorm
Botanical nameColchicum autumnale ‘Waterlily’

Waterlily Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale ‘Waterlily’) is a spectacular corm-forming perennial admired for its large, double flowers that resemble elegant water lilies. From September to October, its numerous silky petals in delicate lilac-pink emerge directly from the ground, creating a lavish display just as the garden begins to fade for the season. Growing 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) tall, this variety brings an unexpected touch of elegance and refinement to autumn landscapes. Its broad, glossy green foliage appears only the following spring before disappearing in early summer. Hardy to Zone 4, it returns reliably in Quebec when planted in well-drained soil.

Plant the corms in late summer or early autumn, approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep and 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart. Choose a location in full sun to partial shade with rich, loose soil that remains moist during spring and drains exceptionally well throughout the year. Water lightly after planting, then moderately while the spring foliage is developing. Once the leaves yellow and disappear, greatly reduce watering to respect the plant's natural summer dormancy. Always allow the foliage to die back naturally, as it replenishes the corm's energy reserves and encourages increasingly abundant flowering over the years.

‘Waterlily’ Autumn Crocus is an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, open woodland areas, and naturalized gardens, where its luxurious double flowers become a striking focal point. Planted in groups, it creates an elegant display among late-season foliage. Pair it with hardy cyclamen, Japanese anemones, ferns, and hostas to extend seasonal interest until the first frosts. Its late-season flowers also provide nectar for bees and other pollinators that remain active in autumn. However, this plant is grown strictly for ornamental purposes. All parts of the plant are highly toxic and must never be consumed or confused with true crocuses.

Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques doubles roses aux nombreux pétales étroits. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Planting guide

Plant well.Grow beautifully.

Planting depth

10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in)

Best planting time

Late Summer to Fall

Propagation

Propagate by dividing the corms after several years when clumps become overcrowded.

Growing method

Plant the corms approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep in rich, loose, well-drained soil. Space them 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade where the soil remains moist during spring but drier throughout summer. Water lightly after planting. Allow the spring foliage to yellow naturally so nutrients return to the corm. Colonies become increasingly floriferous over the years.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Minimum temperature

-34°C (-30°F)

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water lightly while the spring foliage is developing, then greatly reduce watering during summer dormancy.

Soil type

Rich, loose soil that remains moist in spring and drains exceptionally well.

Fertilization

Apply compost in spring or use a light bulb fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage development.

Seasonal care

Allow the foliage to yellow naturally before removing it. Avoid excessive winter moisture and limit disturbance of the corms to encourage abundant flowering.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

25 cm (10 in)
Container growing requires anticipating the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a substrate suitable for planting. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding the plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the humidity, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, from the outset, plan a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Plant the corms in late summer or early autumn, about 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 inches) deep, spacing them 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) apart. Choose a location in full sun or partial shade in rich, loose soil, moist in spring and perfectly drained. Water lightly after planting, then moderately during spring foliage growth. When the foliage yellows and disappears, significantly reduce watering to respect summer dormancy. Always allow the foliage to wither naturally, as it allows the corm to replenish its reserves and become more floriferous over the years. In winter, protect the container according to the plant's needs: its roots are more exposed to cold than in the ground.
Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques doubles roses aux nombreux pétales étroits. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Width / spread

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Flower color

Lilac pink

Foliage color

Glossy green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom period

Large double lilac-pink flowers emerge directly from the ground in autumn and provide nectar for the last active pollinators of the season.
Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ ( Colchicum ) : des colchiques doubles roses aux nombreux pétales étroits. Le visuel Florissa présente la plante et son nom dans la partie inférieure de l’étiquette. La photographie occupe presque toute la surface, tandis que le bandeau du bas rassemble les indications du produit. Cette vue permet de reconnaître son apparence et de distinguer la variété présentée.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Hardy cyclamen, Japanese anemones, ferns, and hostas make excellent companion plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Waterlily Autumn Crocus be planted?
Plant the corms in late summer or early fall so they establish before producing their spectacular autumn flowers.
Is this plant hardy?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 4 and returns reliably every autumn when planted in well-drained soil.
Is Waterlily Autumn Crocus edible?
No. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. It should never be eaten or confused with true crocuses.
Why does the foliage appear in spring?
The spring foliage nourishes the corm after autumn flowering. It is essential to allow the leaves to yellow naturally before removing them.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes. Its large autumn flowers provide a valuable nectar source for the last active pollinators of the season.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.