Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

We supply autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), or 'meadow saffron', in lots of 5 bulbs, delivered from July to September. Autumn crocus used to flourish in hay meadows left ungrazed after cutting, from mid August (traditionally Old Lammas Day) to early October. Although unpopular with farmers as it is poisonous to livestock it is still widespread, however, and naturalizes easily.

Although it's known as meadow saffron, autumn crocus rather confusingly doesn't produce saffron - and nor is it a crocus! It looks very like one, so the confusion is understandable. There's also another autumn flowering crocus, Crocus speciosa, just to add to the muddle.

Colchicum's pink flowers provide good late season forage for bees and late flying hoverflies and butterflies like the one in the photo. We also offer the white form, Colchicum autumnale album.