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Colchicum autumnale
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

meadow saffron

A cormous herbaceous perennial to 15cm, with erect, strap-shaped leaves to 30cm in length, and in autumn, up to 6 crocus-like lavender-pink flowers 6cm in length

Other common names
autumn crocus
fog crocus
see moremeadow crocus
Michaelmas crocus
naked boys
naked ladies
purple crocus
upstart
saffrwm y gweunydd
Synonyms
Colchicum autumnale 'Wild Form'
Colchicum autumnale var. minor hort.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer
Autumn Pink
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Colchicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging. May be naturalised in turf

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in an open frame when ripe or separate corms when dormant in summer

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

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease- free

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