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Colchicum autumnale (Meadow saffron)

Colchicum autumnale Photo/Illustration: Colleen Fitzpatrick



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Colchicum autumnale KOHL-chi-kum ot-um-NAL-ee Common Name: Meadow saffron Genus: Colchicum
Meadow saffron is a cormous perennial with erect, lance-shaped leaves 5 to 14 inches long. It bears 1 to 6 goblet-shaped, lavender-pink flowers in fall.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Fall-blooming crocus.
 Care: Needs spring sun to store enough food to flower. Once the foliage has ripened, denser shade is not a problem, so choose companion plants carefully. Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil that is not too dry, in full sun.
 Propagation: Separate corms when dormant in summer.
 Problems: Gray mold (Botrytis) and slugs.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Fall
Flower Color Pink Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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