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BulbsHerbaceous Perennial
Colchicum bulbocodium
spring meadow saffron
A spring-flowering bulb with clusters of pink-lilac flowers with narrow petals. The green, strap-like leaves emerge later
Other common names
vernal bulbocodium
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Colchicum are cormous perennials with usually coarse, broadly strap-shaped leaves which appear with or after the goblet-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in good light in any moist but well-drained soil.
Propagation
Propagate from seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Garden edging
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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