Colchicum autumnale album

Elegant, understated and beautifully unexpected, Colchicum autumnale 'Album' produces pristine pure white, goblet-shaped flowers that emerge directly from the ground in early autumn, often before any foliage appears. These luminous blooms bring a welcome splash of freshness to the garden just as many summer flowers are beginning to fade.

Commonly known as the Autumn Crocus or Naked Lady, Colchicums are not true crocuses but belong to the lily family. Their fascinating flowering habit has captivated gardeners for centuries, with flowers appearing seemingly from bare soil in September, while the broad green leaves emerge separately in spring before dying back in early summer.

Colchicum autumnale 'Album' is the white-flowered form of the native Meadow Saffron and has been grown in British gardens for generations. The elegant blooms look particularly beautiful planted beneath deciduous trees, amongst ornamental grasses or naturalised through lawns and woodland gardens, where they create a striking display when little else is in flower.

Easy to grow and long-lived, this hardy perennial will gradually form impressive clumps over time, providing a dependable display of elegant white flowers every autumn. Its nectar-rich blooms also provide a valuable late-season food source for pollinating insects.

Please note: All parts of Colchicum are poisonous if eaten. Wear gloves when handling bulbs and keep away from children and pets.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Colchicum bulbs as soon as they arrive in late August or September. These bulbs flower very quickly after planting, often within just a few weeks.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil. Colchicums are ideal for borders, beneath deciduous trees, woodland gardens, gravel gardens and naturalising in lawns.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs around 15 cm (6 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve poor soils with compost before planting. Ensure good drainage to prevent bulbs rotting during winter.

Watering:
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Once established, rainfall is usually sufficient except during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Flowers appear in autumn before the foliage.
• Allow the broad spring leaves to die back naturally in early summer, as they feed the bulb for next year's flowers.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed where possible, as clumps become more impressive with age.

Top Tip:
Plant amongst low-growing ground cover or ornamental grasses to hide the spring foliage while allowing the elegant autumn flowers to shine through.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
September – October (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
6–8" (15–20cm) (flowers)
Spring foliage: 10–12" (25–30cm)

Position:
Full sun or partial shade

Hardy Perennial