Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Meadow Saffron Featured Plant of The Day

Colchicum autumnal
Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron




Type  Perennial 
Hardy range  6A to 9A
Height  6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm
Spread  4" to 6" / 10cm to 15cm
Growth rate  Average
Form  Upright or erect
Exposure  Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence  Deciduous

Bloom Color Lavender, pink and white
Bloom Time  Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.


Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy. The pH preference is a neutral soil.


Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes
Strap shaped leaves will be produced in spring, then plant will go dormant during the summer with flowers emerging in the fall. There are double forms. Colchicum prefer sheltered areas that receive afternoon sun. Heavy shade inhibits blooming and causes blooms to be spindly. Transplant corms after the leaves have died and before new growth returns.