Colchicum autumnale Nancy Lindsay (Meadow Saffron)

Vigorous, award-winning Colchicum autumnale ‘Nancy Lindsay’ is a small cormous perennial which features large, slender, deep mauve-pink flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), on conspicuous dark purple stems.

Vigorous, award-winning Colchicum autumnale 'Nancy Lindsay' is a small cormous perennial which features large, slender, deep mauve-pink flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), on conspicuous dark purple stems. Among the earliest to flower in the late summer to early fall garden, this cormous perennial produces up to 5 flowers per corm for a cheerful display. Resembling crocuses with its cup-shaped flowers, it produces its 3-5 strap-like leaves, way later, in spring. Ridiculously easy to grow, all parts of this plant are poisonous, therefore it is diligently ignored by hungry deer, rabbits, and other critters.

  • Growing up to 6 inches tall (15 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm), this Colchicum naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Easily grown in averagemedium moisturewell-drained soils in full sun or part shade.
  • Stunning in front of shrubsamong low-growing perennialswoodlands, meadowsaround patios or along walkways.
  • Generally disease free. Watch for slugs.
  • To be planted 7 in. deep (17 cm) and 4 in. apart (10 cm) in early fall.
  • Propagate by separating corms when dormant.
  • All parts are highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to Southern Europe, Colchicum autumnale can be found in meadows and damp woodland clearings on calcareous and neutral soils.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Colchicum – Autumn Crocuses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 4″ (10cm)
Depth 7"
(17cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Pathways, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage