Colchicum autumnale ‘Nancy Lindsay’ (Meadow Saffron)

Vigorous, award-winning Colchicum autumnale ‘Nancy Lindsay’ is a small cormous perennial with 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 a crocus 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 average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade.
• Stunning in front of shrubs, among low-growing perennials, woodlands, meadows, around 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.