Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ (Meadow Saffron)

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 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. 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.