Plant from September to early October for flowers that autumn. You can plant them later, but they may not flower until the following year.
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There’s something very classy about the autumn-flowering Colchicum autumnale 'Album'. Perhaps it’s the almost translucent and ghostly-white goblets that appear in autumn, long after the foliage dies off in summer. The absence of foliage has led to a number of names for the spirit-like bloom, like naked ladies or even naked boys. Less cheekily, it is also known as white meadow saffron. Colchicum 'Album' are among the last of the colchicums to bloom, but it’s a spectacle not to be missed.
The effect of these six-stamen blooms is stunning. However, while Colchicum autumnale 'Album' may look good enough to eat, and can be confused with wild garlic, the plant contains certain toxins, and should not be eaten.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil. Colchicums grow well in borders, beneath deciduous plants, in grass or in containers.
Plant with the pointed end upwards, 5–10cm deep and 10–15cm apart. Keep any existing shoots intact, even if their tips remain above the soil.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Once settled, colchicums rarely need additional watering except during unusually warm, dry periods in spring.
Flowers appear in autumn, followed by foliage in spring. Allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally before removing them or mowing the surrounding grass.
- Botanical name
- Colchicum autumnale 'Album'
- Flower colour
- White
- Bulb size
- 16/+
- Established height
- 10-20cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 50 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Meadows
Ground cover
lawns
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Woodland gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
-
Toxic if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Colchicum 'Album' reviews
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