Colchicum autumnale 'Album'
Meadow saffron, Dog bones crocus
- Height × spread
- 0.15m × 0.1m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light 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
A delightful snowy colchicum that has quite compact white flowers. The flowers are held on naked white stems to showy effect. They form deep cups and, within, yellow stamens can be seen. Their compact habit means they are less likely to be felled by weather and their own weight. The leaves come in spring in great lush clumps which may not be appreciated if the corms have been wrongly positioned. Give these a lightly shaded site in well drained soil.
- 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, Shady court, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained 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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