Colchicum autumnale
Meadow saffron
- Height × spread
- 0.15m × 0.1m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This autumn crocus produces flowers in shades of pinkish purple. A foliage mound of handsome, strong, rich, green strapping leaves appears early in the season, and this is an ornamental feature in its own right, making a lush addition to the spring garden. Poisonous, this plant can be found growing wild in some parts of Britain and Ireland. It was once harvested and used as a remedy for gout until synthetic medicines took its place.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.15m
- Spread
- 0.1m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Divide while dormant
Clumps of bulbs, corms or rhizomes can be divided in summer when the plant is dormant, or as the foliage dies away. The divided bulbs or corms can immediately be replanted at a little distance from each other, or moved to other locations.
Found in
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