Special Web Offer - Get 50% OFF!
Grab Your Deal Now
PlantSnap
Plant Care
Alpine colchicum
(Colchicum alpinum)
Also Known As
Alpine colchicum, Alpine meadow saffron, Autumn crocus, Colchicum
About This Plant
Colchicum alpinum is a species of flowering plant in the Colchicaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a bulb and produces large, showy flowers in the autumn. The flowers are pink or lavender in color and have six petals. The leaves are lance-shaped and appear in the spring, dying back in the summer.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Light Requirements
Colchicum alpinum prefers full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Humidity Needs
This plant does not have any specific humidity requirements.
Fertilizing Schedule
This plant does not require fertilizer.
Pruning Guidelines
After the flowers have faded, allow the leaves to die back naturally. Do not remove them until they have turned brown and withered away.
Common Pests and Diseases
Colchicum alpinum is generally not bothered by pests or diseases.
Indoor Size Range
N/A
Watering Schedule
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. During the growing season, water regularly, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. In the summer, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering.
Temperature Range
Colchicum alpinum prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some heat, but does best in areas with mild summers.
Growing Season
Colchicum alpinum blooms in the autumn, typically from September to October.
Growing Difficulty Level
This plant is relatively easy to grow, but may not be suitable for all gardens due to its specific temperature requirements.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, Alpine Meadow Saffron, Colchicum alpinum is not related to the true saffron (Crocus sativus). However, like saffron, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
