Skip to content

Meadow Saffron

Colchicum Speciosum

Design with this plant

Overview

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum speciosum) is a striking fall-blooming perennial, showcasing vibrant, purple-pink, goblet-shaped flowers up to 6 inches tall, appearing before its strappy green leaves in spring. Thriving in USDA zones 4-8, it requires moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Caution: all plant parts are toxic. Its autumnal blooms add a unique splash of late-season color, ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock gardens.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 3–8Climate Mediterranean
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Meadow Saffron (Colchicum speciosum) is a striking fall-blooming perennial

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–8

Shape & size

Mature height
0.5–0.75 Ft.
Mature width
0.5–0.75 Ft.

Classification

Family
Iridaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (148)

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — presenting a bold statement in the fall garden; appearing before its strappy green leaves in spring
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — when most other plants are fading; while its foliage appears in spring
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — When incorporating Meadow Saffron in a landscape design, consider planting in clusters for maximum impact; cup-shaped
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Keep in mind that all parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested; especially during dry spells
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — ensure adequate moisture during the growing season; a member of the Colchicaceae family
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — However, avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to bulb rot; so it should be sited away from children and
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Colchicum speciosum can be a stunning and resilient addition to any garden; bulb with purple blooms
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — offering a delightful surprise when much of the landscape is preparing for the quiet of winter; its autumnal blooms add
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — purple flowers in the garden; the Meadow Saffron appreciates well-drained
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — especially during dry spells; it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and performs best in full sun to partial
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — appearing before its strappy green leaves in spring; presenting a bold statement in the fall garden, image 63
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Thriving in USDA zones 4-8, it requires moist, well-drained soil and partial shade; however, avoid, image 64
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Caution: all plant parts are toxic; goblet-shaped flowers up to 6 inches tall, image 65
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Its autumnal blooms add a unique splash of late-season color; this captivating plant is commonly known for, image 66
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock gardens; this makes it perfect for, image 67
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Meadow Saffron (Colchicum speciosum) is a striking fall-blooming perennial; thriving in USDA zones 4-8, it, image 61
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — goblet-shaped flowers up to 6 inches tall; only to die back before the flowering season.<br><br>Growing to a, image 62
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — bulb with purple blooms; when incorporating Meadow Saffron in a landscape design, consider planting in clusters for
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — bulb for full or half; offering a delightful surprise when much of the landscape is preparing for the quiet of winter
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and performs best in full sun to partial shade; with a spread, image 75
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; caution: all plant parts are toxic, image 74
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — with a spread of roughly 3 to 6 inches; keep in mind that all parts of this plant are highly toxic if, image 72
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — This makes it perfect for garden borders or naturalizing in grassy areas; when most other plants are fading, image 76
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — cup-shaped flowers can reach up to 4 inches in height; colchicum speciosum can be a stunning and resilient, image 77

Related plants