Colchicum 'Myddelton'
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 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | Green Purple White | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Colchicum are cormous perennials with usually coarse, broadly strap-shaped leaves which appear with or after the goblet-shaped flowers
- Name status
Accepted
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required; allow leaves to die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
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