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Meadow Saffron

Colchicum Speciosum

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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 3–8Type BulbClimate Mediterranean
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Its autumnal blooms add a unique splash of late-season color; this captivating plant is commonly known for, image 96

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

Type
Bulb
Family
Iridaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (149)

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) — when most other plants are fading; while its foliage appears in spring, image 79
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 102
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Caution: all plant parts are toxic; goblet-shaped flowers up to 6 inches tall, image 95
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — when most other plants are fading; while its foliage appears in spring, image 139
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — ensure adequate moisture during the growing season; a member of the Colchicaceae family
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — A member of the Colchicaceae family; ensure adequate moisture during the growing season, image 128
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — especially during dry spells; it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and performs best in full sun, image 114
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — while its foliage appears in spring; ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock, image 100
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — while its foliage appears in spring; ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock gardens
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — offering a delightful surprise when much of the landscape is preparing for the quiet of winter
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) — offering a delightful surprise when much of the landscape is preparing for the quiet of winter; its autumnal, image 147
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — ideal for naturalizing in grassy areas or planting in borders and rock gardens; this makes it perfect for, image 127
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — this captivating plant is commonly known for its crocus-like flowers that emerge in fall; bulb for full or, image 99
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; caution: all plant parts are toxic, image 134
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — presenting a bold statement in the fall garden
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — while its foliage appears in spring
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and performs best in full sun to partial shade
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — Meadow Saffron (Colchicum speciosum) is a striking fall-blooming perennial; thriving in USDA zones 4-8, it, image 91
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Speciosum) — when most other plants are fading; while its foliage appears in spring
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) — cup-shaped flowers can reach up to 4 inches in height; colchicum speciosum can be a stunning and resilient addition to
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 122
Photographs by 14 contributors

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