Colchicum Waterlily

No. Colchicum is often called autumn crocus or meadow saffron because the flowers look similar, but it is a different plant. Colchicum usually has larger flowers and produces its broad leaves separately in spring, while many autumn-flowering crocuses produce leaves alongside or soon after their blooms.

This is completely normal. Most Colchicum flower in late summer or autumn after their spring leaves have already died back, creating the familiar bare-stemmed display. New foliage will appear the following spring.

Plant Colchicum corms in summer or early autumn, around 10cm deep, in a sunny site with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged ground, which can cause the corms to rot.

Colchicum may fail to flower if the corms were planted too late, sitting in wet ground or have not had time to establish. Plant as soon as possible in late summer, give them a sunny position and leave the spring leaves to die back naturally.

No. All parts of Colchicum are toxic if eaten, including the corms, leaves and flowers. Wear gloves when planting or handling them, wash hands afterwards and keep them out of reach of children and pets. They must not be confused with edible saffron crocus.