Colchicum autumnale

Meadow saffron

Crocuses are suitable for planting in groups in borders or rock gardens and some species naturalise in grass. All species are hardy to -20C. With many autumn flowering varieties now available, it is likely you will spot crocuses growing for at least six months of the year, from mid-autumn to late spring. Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron or naked lady, is an autumn-blooming plant.

plant Features

Full sun to partial shade
Occasional watering
Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
Moist and fertile

plant information

Common name

Meadow saffron

Latin name

Colchicum autumnale

type

Bulb

family

Colchicaceae

ph

5.0 - 8.5 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun to partial shade
Frost

Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

Soil

Moist and fertile
Water

Occasional watering

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant
When the plant will bloom

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Meadow saffron is 0.10meters x 0.25meters

0.10 M 0.25 M

Colchicum autumnale

Flowering Season

From Mid Autumn TO Late Autumn

Colchicum throw up their blooms in mid to late autumn. long after the leaves have died

Planting Outdoors

From Mid Summer TO Mid Summer

Colchicums need moisture-retentive, fertile soil to flower well. They're best grown in a sheltered spot that enjoys afternoon sun because this encourages a good succession of wide-open flowers. In deep shade, you'll only get a very few spindly ones. Dry bulbs are most readily available in mid-summer and should be planted, as soon as they arrive, at a depth of 7.5cm to 10cm (3in to 4in). Specialist nurseries will supply plants at other times, too.

Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection