Find a plant:


{name}

OR Browse All Plants


Colchicum speciosum (Autumn crocus, Meadow saffron)

Colchicum speciosum Colchicum speciosum 'Album' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm



Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Colchicum speciosum KOHL-chi-kum spee-see-OH-sum Common Name: Autumn crocus, Meadow saffron Synonyms: Colchicum bornmuelleri of gardens Genus: Colchicum
This vigorous cormous perennial has semi-erect, lance-shaped leaves 7 to 10 inches long that emerge in spring, then go dormant in late May. In September, it bears 1 to 3 leafless, goblet-shaped, intense pink flowers with yellow anthers and often white throats.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Combines well with sweet potato vine, which will cover the gaps left between leaf and bloom times.
 Care: Best in partial sun, since it will fade and burn in full sun. Prefers moisture during their leaf expanding stage.
 Propagation: Separate corms when dormant in summer.
 Problems: Gray mold (Botrytis) and slugs.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Adaptable
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Fall
Flower Color Pink Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Fall Interest
Type Perennials

Plants you might also like

Solidago caesia
(Goldenrod, Wreath goldenrod, Blue-stemmed goldenrod) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

In early autumn, this species produces elegant, wand-shaped flowerheads atop wiry stems with blue-green, linear leaves. It is found in open woods and along woodland edges, and prefers some shade. It responds well to rich soil, but can tolerate dry soil also. 
Colchicum autumnale Colchicum autumnale
(Meadow saffron) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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.
Tiarella 'Spring Symphony' Tiarella 'Spring Symphony'
(Foam flower) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This reblooming, clump-forming variety blooms in spring, producing 15-inch spires densely packed with pink blossoms. Its deeply cut foliage is compact, with black markings along the midrib. Plants grow to about 10 inches tall and wide. 
Dianthus deltoides Dianthus deltoides
(Maiden pink) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This mat-forming species with dark green leaves is one of the easiest to grow.  Blossoms range from white to red and are usually single and without fragrance. Use as bedding or in rock gardens.
Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire' Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire'
(Maiden pink) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This mat-forming species with narrow, dark green leaves is one of the easiest to grow. Blossoms with red eyes open in early summer and may rebloom if sheared back after flowering.