Colchicum autumnale
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 crocusfog 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.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | Pink | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- W & C 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
Get involved
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