The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has recently been producing excellent single genus books. Known historically as botanical monographs, the works of the past twenty years give equal importance to horticulture. While the many species are considered for their habitats and qualities, so are the many selected varieties or developed cultivars that are important to gardeners. Illustrations are much more prominent than in older books, and include paintings by botanical artists, contemporary and historical, and excellent photography.
An example is “Colchicum: The Complete Guide,” by Christopher Grey-Wilson and Robert Rolfe, that delves into a genus of great diversity with over 100 species and an extensive list of hybrids and cultivars. Each is stunningly shown with close-up photographs, while the text sorts out the nomenclature for the enthusiast. At over 500 pages, it is helpful for the average gardener to pick out a few key recommendations by the authors.
Colchicum speciosum ‘Album’ is “without question the finest white autumn crocus grown in gardens.” ‘Autumn Queen’ is the top choice for early-flowering and displays tessellation (a checkboard pattern on the petals), while ‘Giant’ is “extremely vigorous in the garden and quick to multiply.” Finally, the double ‘Waterlily’ “is one of the most distinctive and eagerly sought garden cultivars.” Having grown all of these, I agree with these assessments.
Excerpted from Brian Thompson’s article in the Spring 2023 issue of the Arboretum Bulletin