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Beginner
skill rating |
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0.1m
max. spread |
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0.5m
max. height |
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2-5 years
to maturity |
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1 hour care
per year |
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This plant
is toxic! |
Botanical name: Colchicum autumnale
Other names: Meadow saffron, Purple crocus, Upstart, Meadow crocus, Michaelmas crocus, Naked boys, Naked ladies, Autumn crocus, Fog crocus, Colchicum pannonicum
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Genus: Colchicum
Species: C. autumnale - C. autumnale has strap-shaped leaves cup-shaped lavender-pink flowers.
Colchicum autumnale is: Deciduous
Flower: Pink in Autumn
Foliage: Green, Grey-green in Spring
Habit: Clump-forming
Toxicity: All parts are highly toxic if eaten
Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Plant with:
Thuja plicata 'Aurea' (Western red cedar 'Aurea')
Colchicum autumnale (Meadow saffron) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.1m after 2-5 years.
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Suggested uses: Rock, Gravel, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Naturalised in turf, Wildflower
Cultivation: Plant in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Does not tolerate water logging.
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| Soil types: |
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |
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| Soil drainage: |
Well-drained |
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| Soil pH: |
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
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| Light: |
Full Sun |
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| Aspect: |
North, South, East, West |
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| Exposure: |
Sheltered |
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| Hardiness: |
Hardy (H4) |
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Discuss Colchicum autumnale (Meadow saffron) with other Shoot members.
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Question from
Sandy Rawlins
My colchicum autumnale were planted last year at the base of a lilac. The corms seem to have all risen to the surface and have now got baked in the sun. I plan to lift them, divide the corms, and replant them. Can someone confirm that this is the right course of action please, I'm fairly new to all this!!
PS - do they need to be planted 3x their depth?
Thanks
- Views: 381
- Replies: 1
- Posted: Tue. 30th June 2009 11:32
- Last reply: Thu. 2nd July 2009 16:11
Comment from
Miriam Mesa-Villalba
Despite appearances, this is a lily rather than a crocus. The flowers provide a good source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators late in the season. They bear orange anthers, which can be used to produce a form of saffron. The leaves are poisonous to farm stock. It is uncommon in the wild.
- Views: 134
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Mon. 8th June 2009 13:55
We list 17 suppliers who tell us they sell Colchicum autumnale (Meadow saffron). In order to see the list you'll need to either register or log in as a full member.
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