Colchicum 'Benton End'

RHS Plant Profile
meadow saffron 'Benton End'

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Synonyms

Colchicum speciosum 'Cedric Morris'

Plants for pollinators
Bulbs

An autumn-flowering, cormous perennial with slender blooms comprising a goblet of pinkish-purple petals, with a white star in the throat, supported on a greyish-purple perianth tube. Narrow, semi-erect leaves are produced in spring, fading by summer. Increases well in the garden

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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