Alphabetical Plant Listing

Colchicum 'Waterlily' (Meadow Saffron)

Meadow Saffron 'Waterlily', Double Autumn Crocus, Hybrid Autumn Crocus, 'Waterlily' Autumn Crocus


Perfect for adding a burst of color to the fall garden, Colchicum 'Waterlily' is one of the showiest of the Autumn Crocuses. This double-flowered variety bears big flowers, 3 in. long (8 cm), with silky lilac-pink flowers consisting of more than 20 petals. This cormous perennial produces from 1-6 flowers per corm and makes a truly unique display in the late summer to early fall garden. Resembling crocuses with its cup-shaped flowers, it produces its strap-like foliage, 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 6-8 inches tall (15-20 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. Excellent as cut flower with a long vase life (10 days).
  • Generally disease free. Watch for slugs.
  • To be planted 3 in. deep (8 cm) and 6 in. apart (15 cm) in late summer for bloom the same year in fall.
  • Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in an open frame when ripe or separate corms when dormant in summer.
  • 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.

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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 6" (15cm)
Depth 3" (7cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, 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

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Guides with Colchicum - Autumn Crocuses


John Martin, © Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


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 6" (15cm)
Depth 3" (7cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, 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

Guides with Colchicum - Autumn Crocuses

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