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Bulbs

Colchicum 'Felbrigg'
  • RHS AGM

meadow saffron 'Felbrigg'

An early autumn-flowering cormous perennial with stocky blooms, each comprising a goblet of pinkish-purple petals, with a white star in the centre, supported on a pale green perianth tube. Narrow, semi-erect leaves, to about 20cm long, are produced in spring, fading by summer. A good spreading plant

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer
Autumn Green Purple White
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Colchicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Clump forming
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

Unresolved

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How to grow

Cultivation

Plant 10cm deep in summer or early autumn in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny site

Propagation

Propagate by separating corms when dormant in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required; allow leaves to die down naturally

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

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