{"product_id":"colchicum-giganteum-giant-meadow-saffron-corms","title":"Colchicum giganteum (Giant Meadow Saffron) Corms","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eGiant Meadow Saffron\u003c\/strong\u003e, is an impressive autumn-flowering colchicum prized for its exceptionally large \u003cstrong\u003erose-purple, goblet-shaped flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e. Also known as an Autumn Crocus or Naked Lady, its substantial blooms emerge directly from the ground without foliage, creating a dramatic display when many summer plants are beginning to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 25-30cm tall in flower, \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e is considerably taller and more imposing than many colchicums. It makes an excellent specimen for autumn borders, gravel gardens and naturalistic planting, particularly when several corms are grouped together to create a bold seasonal display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant Meadow Saffron, Autumn Crocus, Naked Ladies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy, autumn-flowering cormous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rose-purple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25-30cm (10-12in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15-25cm, gradually forming larger clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting distance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 20cm apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Autumn borders, gravel gardens, naturalistic planting and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Colchicum giganteum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \u003cem\u003egiganteum\u003c\/em\u003e gives a good indication of what makes this colchicum special. Its \u003cstrong\u003elarge rose-purple flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e are carried considerably higher than those of many smaller colchicums, producing an eye-catching display close to the end of the traditional gardening season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers have the characteristic goblet-like form associated with colchicums, opening more widely in suitable weather to reveal their delicate internal details. Their rich colouring makes them particularly effective against green ground-cover plants or amongst the changing foliage of an autumn garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Are Colchicums Called Naked Ladies?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e has an unusual growth cycle. Its flowers emerge in autumn without any accompanying leaves, seemingly appearing from bare soil. This has resulted in the familiar common name \u003cstrong\u003eNaked Ladies\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage appears separately in spring. These leaves should be allowed to grow and die back naturally because they feed the underground corm and store the energy required to produce the following autumn's flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Giant Meadow Saffron\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e in a \u003cstrong\u003esunny position with fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e. A position towards the front or middle of a border works particularly well, where its unusually large autumn flowers can be appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt can also be grown in gravel gardens, amongst low-growing ground-cover plants or beneath deciduous shrubs where sufficient sunlight reaches the soil. Avoid permanently wet or waterlogged positions, particularly during the dormant period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Colchicum giganteum Corms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColchicum corms should be \u003cstrong\u003eplanted immediately upon arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their flowering cycle begins relatively early and corms kept out of the ground for too long may begin producing flowers before they have been planted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the corms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10-15cm deep and 20cm apart\u003c\/strong\u003e, positioning each corm with its growing point upwards. For a particularly impressive display, plant several corms in an informal group rather than individually around the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce established, the corms are best left undisturbed and can gradually increase to form larger clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Colchicum giganteum in the UK\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Meadow Saffron is a hardy perennial suitable for UK gardens. The most important requirement is \u003cstrong\u003egood drainage\u003c\/strong\u003e, as the corms should not remain in persistently waterlogged soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn heavier ground, improve drainage before planting by incorporating organic matter and grit where appropriate. Once established in a suitable site, colchicums require relatively little maintenance and can return reliably year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpring Foliage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily grown for its autumn flowers, gardeners should also allow space for the foliage that appears during spring. The leaves can be substantially larger than the autumn flowers might suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDo not tie, cut or remove healthy green leaves. Allow them to yellow and die back naturally. Planting colchicums amongst later-emerging perennials can help disguise the foliage as it begins to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNaturalising and Established Clumps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColchicums are particularly attractive when allowed to establish over several years. Individual corms can gradually multiply, creating \u003cstrong\u003eincreasingly substantial groups of rose-purple flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e each autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf a mature clump eventually becomes overcrowded, the corms can be lifted and divided while dormant and replanted immediately. Otherwise, they are generally best left undisturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eColchicum giganteum in Containers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe spectacular flowers can also be enjoyed in containers, provided the pot is sufficiently deep and has excellent drainage. A group planted together can create an impressive autumn display on a patio or near an entrance where the flowers can be viewed at close range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse a free-draining compost and avoid allowing containers to remain saturated for prolonged periods. As the plants also produce spring foliage, choose a container large enough to accommodate their complete seasonal growth cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant: Colchicum Is Poisonous\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll parts of \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e are poisonous if eaten\u003c\/strong\u003e and contain colchicine. Despite the common name Meadow Saffron, it must never be confused with true saffron, \u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e, or treated as an edible plant. Take particular care when planting where children or pets may have access.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Colchicum giganteum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally large rose-purple flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpressive 25-30cm flowering height\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides valuable colour during autumn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive flowers appear without foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent planted in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for borders and gravel gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and perennial in UK gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan gradually develop into larger clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-maintenance once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Colchicum giganteum grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe flowers typically reach around 25-30cm (10-12in) tall, making this an impressively large colchicum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of Colchicum giganteum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAllow approximately 15-25cm for each plant. Established corms can multiply over time and eventually form much broader flowering clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Colchicum giganteum flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is an autumn-flowering species, producing its large rose-purple flowers after the summer growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should I plant Colchicum giganteum corms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the corms as soon as possible after receiving them. Colchicums can begin their autumn flowering cycle even while out of the ground, so they should not be stored unnecessarily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant the corms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant approximately 10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart in a sunny, well-drained position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are colchicums called Naked Ladies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTheir autumn flowers emerge without leaves, giving the appearance of flowers rising directly from bare ground. The foliage appears separately in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Giant Meadow Saffron actually saffron?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Despite its common name, \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e is not the edible saffron crocus. It is a different plant and is poisonous if consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I remove the spring leaves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. The leaves replenish the corm and are essential for producing strong flowers the following autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003elarge rose-purple blooms and impressive 25-30cm height\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColchicum giganteum\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the more dramatic choices for autumn colour. Plant the corms promptly in a sunny, well-drained position and allow them to establish into increasingly impressive clumps for a spectacular display year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Corm","offer_id":62373027873155,"sku":"JA-C5148","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10 Corms","offer_id":62373027905923,"sku":"JA-C5148x10","price":33.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"100 Corms","offer_id":62373027938691,"sku":"JA-C5148x100","price":299.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Colchicum-giganteum-ex-Grey-Wilson_6839-2-scaled-e1626260722333.jpg?v=1789656081","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/colchicum-giganteum-giant-meadow-saffron-corms","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}