Colchicum cupanii

[Peter George]

Another bulb I brought back from Washington and I'm just sure if it's hardy here in MA. Any help out there?

[McDonough]

Another bulb I brought back from Washington and I'm just sure if it's hardy here in MA. Any help out there?

For about 6 years I grew a form of C. cupanii which would flower late each fall, a delightful tiny species. If I recall correctly, I got it from Jane McGary.  I finally lost it, along with some other autumn-blooming Crocus a few years back when we had crazy unseasonably mild weather all through December and into January, where plants didn't harden off or go to rest properly, then winter finally hit. 

[Peter George]

Thanks for responding to both of my questions. I came back from the WA meeting with a bunch of 'strange' plants, many of which have little to no information available on the net. I'm working my way through them all, and I very well may be posting some additional questions over the next week or so. Hope life is treating you well.

Peter

[McDonough]

I found a photo of Colchicum cupanii.  I received mine as Colchicum cupanii coustieri, the last name probably a corruption for C. cousturieri.  But it doesn't matter, as there are a whole bunch of Colchicum names that are considered synonyms of C. cupanii, and as many as 7-8 varieties and subspecies of C. cupanii, none of which are generally regarded as legitimate.  The species is seen both with a single "i" (as C. cupani, as published on IPNI.ORG) and the double "ii" ending (as seen on The Plant List).  Lots of taxonomic fuss for such a tiny fall blooming Colchicum.  Finding this photo, reminds me that I really need to reacquire this charmer.