Colchicum autumnale (Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Lady)


Botanical Information

FamilyColchicaceae
GenusColchicum
Speciesautumnale
SynonymsColchicum autumnale var. minor hort.
CategoryBulbs, Perennials
OriginWest and Central Europe.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2 - 8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - (-10)
Temperature (°F)5 - 14
Height10 - 20 cm
Spread10 - 20 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodAugust, September

Description and Growing Information

ShapeColumnar and upright.
LandscapeGround cover and border planting.
PropagationSeed, sowing in containers in open frame when ripe and separate corms when dormant in summer.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Moist, well-drained and rich soils. Prefers chalk, clay, sand and loam soils with an acidic, alkaline or neutral pH. Intolerant of water-logging.
PestsSlugs and snails. Fugal smut may attack leaves.
Notable SpecimensThe A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatMeadows and woodland beds.
Leaf Description5 - 8 lanceolate leaves that are 10 - 20 cm long. Naked flower stems (1 - 6 stems per sheath) that rise from the ground and are 15 - 25 cm long.
Flower DescriptionCoarse, broadly star-shaped, 6-petaled flower on each stem.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are a dark green and turns yellow as it matures and dies. The flowers are pinkish-lavendar to a pinkish-lilac colour.

Photographs