{"product_id":"colchicum-speciosum-giant-meadow-saffron-corms","title":"Colchicum speciosum (Giant Meadow Saffron) Corms","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eGiant Meadow Saffron\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a spectacular autumn-flowering perennial producing \u003cstrong\u003elarge amethyst-violet flowers with contrasting white centres\u003c\/strong\u003e. Appearing in October when many garden plants are beginning to fade, the substantial goblet-shaped blooms provide a welcome burst of rich colour late in the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlso commonly called an \u003cstrong\u003eAutumn Crocus\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eNaked Lady\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e has the fascinating habit of producing its flowers without foliage. The leaves appear separately in spring before dying away during summer, leaving the autumn flowers to emerge apparently from bare ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\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 Amethyst-violet with a white centre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e October\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15-20cm (6-8in)\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 Borders, gravel gardens, naturalistic planting and autumn colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Colchicum speciosum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the showier autumn-flowering colchicums, producing \u003cstrong\u003elarge, richly coloured flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e that rise directly from the soil. The petals are an attractive amethyst to violet-purple, becoming noticeably paler towards the base to create a distinctive white centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers have an elegant goblet shape when they first emerge before opening more widely in suitable weather. Several blooms can emerge from an established corm, and mature clumps can eventually produce an impressive concentration of flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBeautiful Late-Season Colour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering in \u003cstrong\u003eOctober\u003c\/strong\u003e, Giant Meadow Saffron is particularly valuable for extending interest beyond the main summer flowering season. Its vivid violet colouring stands out beautifully against autumn foliage and low-growing evergreen plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlanting several corms together produces the strongest effect. Over time the corms can increase naturally, allowing an initially modest planting to develop into a substantial autumn display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Is It Called a Naked Lady?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe common name Naked Lady refers to the unusual way colchicums produce their flowers. In autumn, the blooms emerge from the ground with \u003cstrong\u003eno accompanying foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e, creating the appearance of flowers standing alone on bare stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage follows an entirely different timetable, emerging during spring. These leaves manufacture and store the energy required by the corm to produce its autumn flowers, so they should always be allowed to yellow and die back naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Colchicum speciosum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a \u003cstrong\u003esunny, well-drained position\u003c\/strong\u003e where the corms can remain undisturbed for several years. The front of a border, gravel garden or an open area amongst low-growing perennials can all provide suitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen choosing a position, remember that the plant will produce foliage during spring even though it is absent when the flowers appear. Planting amongst later-emerging herbaceous perennials is useful because neighbouring foliage can gradually disguise the colchicum leaves as they begin to die back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Colchicum speciosum Corms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColchicum corms should be \u003cstrong\u003eplanted immediately upon arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e. They naturally begin their growth cycle relatively early and may even attempt to flower while out of the ground if planting is delayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the corms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10-15cm deep and 20cm apart\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the growing point facing upwards. Planting several corms together in an informal group will produce a much more impressive display than scattering individual plants widely around the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter planting, the corms can generally be left undisturbed. Established plants require little maintenance and can gradually develop into larger clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Colchicum speciosum in the UK\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e is hardy and well suited to UK conditions. Good drainage is particularly important, as corms should not remain in persistently waterlogged ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn heavy soils, improve drainage before planting by incorporating organic matter and grit where appropriate. Once established in a suitable position, plants can return reliably each year with very little attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpring Foliage and Aftercare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e emerge during spring and may initially seem surprisingly substantial compared with the autumn flowers. This foliage is an essential part of the plant's annual growth cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not cut back healthy green leaves.\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow them to remain until they have turned yellow and died away naturally. Removing them prematurely reduces the amount of energy returned to the corm and can weaken future flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNaturalising Colchicum speciosum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce settled, \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e can gradually increase to produce \u003cstrong\u003elarger clumps approximately 15-25cm or more across\u003c\/strong\u003e. This makes it particularly attractive for naturalistic planting, where groups can be allowed to develop undisturbed over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf a mature clump eventually becomes overcrowded, the corms can be lifted and divided during dormancy. Replant the separated corms promptly to establish additional groups elsewhere in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanting Companions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe rich amethyst-violet flowers contrast beautifully with grasses, low evergreen ground cover and plants with golden or bronze autumn foliage. Colchicums can also be combined with different autumn-flowering varieties to create a mixture of white, pink, rose and violet blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLater-emerging herbaceous perennials make especially useful companions because they help conceal the colchicum's spring leaves as these begin to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant: Colchicum Is Poisonous\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll parts of \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e are poisonous if eaten\u003c\/strong\u003e and contain colchicine. Despite being known as Meadow Saffron or Autumn Crocus, it must not be confused with edible saffron, \u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e. Take appropriate care when planting where children or pets have access.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Colchicum speciosum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge amethyst-violet flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive contrasting white flower centres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers during October\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides valuable late-season garden colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact 15-20cm flowering height\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent planted in informal groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for sunny borders and gravel gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually develops into larger clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and perennial in UK gardens\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\u003eWhen does Colchicum speciosum flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt typically flowers during October, providing an attractive display after many summer-flowering plants have finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Colchicum speciosum grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe flowers generally reach around 15-20cm (6-8in) tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of Colchicum speciosum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAllow approximately 15-25cm for an established plant. The corms can gradually multiply and develop into considerably broader clumps over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat colour is Colchicum speciosum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt produces large amethyst-violet flowers with a distinctive paler to white centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should I plant the corms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant them as soon as possible after arrival. Colchicum corms can begin their autumn growth cycle while out of the ground, so unnecessary storage should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant Colchicum speciosum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the corms approximately 10-15cm deep and around 20cm apart in a sunny, well-drained position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does it flower without leaves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is the normal growth cycle of a colchicum. The flowers appear without foliage in autumn, while the leaves emerge separately during spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Giant Meadow Saffron edible?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e is poisonous and must not be confused with the true saffron crocus, \u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003elarge amethyst-violet blooms, contrasting white centres and October flowering period\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColchicum speciosum\u003c\/em\u003e is an excellent bulb for bringing bold colour to the autumn garden. Plant the corms promptly in a sunny, well-drained position and allow them to establish into increasingly impressive clumps over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Corm","offer_id":62373028102531,"sku":"JA-C5172","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Corms","offer_id":62373028135299,"sku":"JA-C5172x10","price":33.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Corms","offer_id":62373028168067,"sku":"JA-C5172x100","price":299.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/C5172_Colchicum_speciosum.webp?v=1789656317","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/colchicum-speciosum-giant-meadow-saffron-corms","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}