AUTUMN BLOOMING COLCHICUMS 
Colchicums are charming and interesting plants, hardy, persistent and of easy cul- 
ture. These great crocus-like flowers carpet the ground in September and October with- 
out foliage, the foliage appearing early in the spring, usually lasting until July. 
In very warm climates partial shade is preferable, otherwise they succeed best in an 
open sunny border. 
The blossoms seem fragile but are quite tough and last exceedingly well when cut for 
the house. In the garden the individual flowers last about three days, depending on the 
weather, being able to withstand I'ght frosty mornings better than hot sunny days. Five 
to 16 blooms come in success'on from s'ngle bulbs, g:ving a long flowering period. 
In congenial surroundings Colchicums will increase so that every few years replanting 
is desirable. They should be lifted when the foliage dies down, separated and replanted. 
Plant Colchicums as soon as the bulbs can be obtained and are received. Planted in 
August or September, the bulbs will bloom almost immed ate'y, but are at their best 
when well established. Deep, well enriched, good loamy soil is preferred with tip of the 
long bulb placed 1 to 2 inches under the surface. If no ground cover is planted give a 
light mulch over winter. 
The buibs and foliage are distasteful to anima!s; mice, moles and rabbits do not 
bother them. 
FLOWERING WITHOUT SOIL or WATER 
A most interesting feat of Colchicums is their ability to flower from dry 
bulbs without soil or water. This makes them valuable novelty gifts for 
friends and most fascinating for shut-ins to watch develop. 
The flat based, clean bulbs may be set on a table, on the window sill or in 
a container where they will start flowering. As the blooms fade and drop, 
cut them off and others will follow in quick succession. 
In the dark the flowers and tubes come an attractive pure white. On the 
window sill with plenty of light they have their normal color—tless color 
appearing the farther the bulbs are from the light. The skins of the bulbs 
are dry and tough which often must be broken to allow the buds to appear. 
After flowering in the house, the bulbs should be planted in the garden at 
once. Bulbs planted outdoors late in the fall do not have as good a chance 
to recover as those planted out early. 
Colchicums are ideal as hospital gifts, after flowering the bulbs may be 
taken home and planted. 
COLCHICUMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE 
AFTER AUGUST 20TH. 
PRICES ARE FOR LARGEST TOP SIZE BULBS 
BORNMULLERI. (1) An early va- 
riety with immense vase-like flow- 
ers of rich rose-lilac with large 
pure white center. On first open- 
ing the flower is very pale, almost 
white, but increases and deepens 
with maturity. It is very striking 
and attractive and has a light 
spring-like fragrance. 
Each 40c; 3 for $1.10; Doz. $4.00. 
CONQUEST. (3) One of the finest 
new hybrids. Award of Merit, 
Haarlem. Large flower on long 
tubes is dark violet; of good sub- 
stance and free flowering. 
Each 75c; 3 for $2.00; Doz. $7.50. 
GIGANTEUM. (3) A grand species 
bearing immense expanded flow- 
ers of beautiful soft rose with large 
white throat, remarkably hand- 
some, giving the scent of honey. 
Each 40c; 3 for $1.10; Doz. $4.00. 
LILAC WONDER. (3) A fine new 
hybrid, large flowered Colchicum 
of rich rosy-carmine. A very strik- 
ing variety of great merit. The 
long white tube makes it excellent 
for cutting. First Class Certificate, 
Haarlem. One of the best and 
highly recommended. 
Ach OOGMSETOn ol O5 Doz 56.00, 
SPECIOSUM. (1) Handsome, large 
bowl-shaped flowers hoisted on 
tall slender tubes. The color, which 
hints of raspberries, is bright rosy- 
carmine. Very floriferous as well 
as fragrant and with petals of great 
substance. One of the earliest to 
flower. Unlike other varieties, Spe- 
ciosum does not have a flat base 
and must be held in a container 
when used for indoor flowering. 
Each OG mSniomoles5)) | Dozs >>-00: 
VIOLET QUEEN. (3) Another fine 
new hybrid of darkest color, deep 
purplish-violet with white center. 
An extra fine variety. 
EAC DCG eMonlom2 007 Dozois 0: 
MIXED COLCHICUMS. Mixture of 
various varieties. 
3 for $1.10; Doz. $4.00. 


COLCHICUM 
GALANTHUS (Snow Drops) 
Dainty little flowers that bloom in the late winter; 
very hardy and can be left undisturbed for years. Of 
them it is often said, ‘‘Grandmother planted these’’ 
NIVALIS. Lovely little white nodding blooms. 
DozwiDGAlOOmS>:25: 
SNOWDROPS 

ELMA, WASHINGTON 

