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) — only to die back before the flowering season.<br><br>Growing to a height of about 6 to 10 inches; fertile, image 71

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — the Meadow Saffron appreciates well-drained; purple flowers in the garden, image 73

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — A member of the Colchicaceae family; ensure adequate moisture during the growing season, image 68

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — this captivating plant is commonly known for its crocus-like flowers that emerge in fall; bulb for full or, image 69

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — while its foliage appears in spring; ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock, image 70

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — especially during dry spells; it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and performs best in full sun, image 84

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — However, avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to bulb rot; so it should be sited away from, image 85

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — when most other plants are fading; while its foliage appears in spring, image 79

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Keep in mind that all parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested; especially during dry spells, image 81

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — When incorporating Meadow Saffron in a landscape design, consider planting in clusters for maximum impact, image 80

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — presenting a bold statement in the fall garden; appearing before its strappy green leaves in spring, image 78

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — ensure adequate moisture during the growing season; a member of the Colchicaceae family, image 83

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — so it should be sited away from children and pets.<br><br>To encourage a healthy display; meadow Saffron, image 82

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock gardens; this makes it perfect for, image 97

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — appearing before its strappy green leaves in spring; presenting a bold statement in the fall garden, image 93

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Thriving in USDA zones 4-8, it requires moist, well-drained soil and partial shade; however, avoid, image 94

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Caution: all plant parts are toxic; goblet-shaped flowers up to 6 inches tall, image 95

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Its autumnal blooms add a unique splash of late-season color; this captivating plant is commonly known for, image 96

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — bulb with purple blooms; when incorporating Meadow Saffron in a landscape design, consider planting in, image 89

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 92

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — offering a delightful surprise when much of the landscape is preparing for the quiet of winter; its autumnal, image 87

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — purple flowers in the garden; the Meadow Saffron appreciates well-drained, image 88

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — bulb for full or half; offering a delightful surprise when much of the landscape is preparing for the quiet, image 90

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Colchicum speciosum can be a stunning and resilient addition to any garden; bulb with purple blooms, image 86

Related plants

Reticulated Iris (Iris Reticulata) — The Reticulated Iris (Iris reticulata) is a spring-blooming bulbous perennial

Reticulated Iris

Iris Reticulata

Full · Zones 5–9

Pink Watsonia (Watsonia Strains Pink) — or Watsonia borbonica 'Pink'

Pink Watsonia

Watsonia Strains Pink

Full · Zones 9–10

Idaho Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium Idahoense) — is a charming perennial with grassy foliage reaching up to 12 inches tall

Idaho Blue-Eyed Grass

Sisyrinchium Idahoense

Full · Zones 5–7

Sparaxis, Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis Tricolor) — is a vibrant bulbous perennial showcasing a star-shaped display of multicolored petals

Sparaxis, Harlequin Flower

Sparaxis Tricolor

Full · Zones 3–10

Del Norte Iris (Iris Innominata) — Del Norte Iris (Iris innominata) is a Pacific Coast native

Del Norte Iris

Iris Innominata

Full · Zones 8–10

Iris Species (Iris Spp.) — offer a captivating array of colors, often with intricate patterns

Iris Species

Iris Spp.

Full · Zones 7–9