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Colchicum cilicicum 'Purpureum'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Cilician meadow saffron 'Purpureum'

a cormous perennial producing long, narrow, semi-erect leaves in spring then, after these have died away, 10cm tall, open-funnel shaped,rosy purple flowers in autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer
Autumn Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Colchicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil

Propagation

Separate corms when dormant in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be damaged by slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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