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Colchicum autumnale 'Nancy Lindsay'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

meadow saffron 'Nancy Lindsay'

A small cormous perennial to 15cm in height, bearing up to 5 deep mauve-pink flowers 5cm across, the tepals faintly netted on the outside

Synonyms
Colchicum 'Nancy Lindsay'
Colchicum autumnale 'Pannonicum'
see moreColchicum autumnale 'Nancy Lindsay'
Colchicum pannonicum hort.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer
Autumn Pink Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Colchicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Colchicum are cormous perennials with usually coarse, broadly strap-shaped leaves which appear with or after the goblet-shaped flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

May be naturalized in turf. Good early spring colour

Propagation

Propagate by separating corms when dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be subject to bulb grey mould

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