Spring Meadow Saffron Colchicum bulbocodium

Bulbocodium vernum, commonly called Spring Meadow Saffron, is a perennial, bulbous herb with basal leaves and flowers emerging from a basal sheath. The plant is native to  alpine meadows and hillsides in Europe, North Africa, West and Central Asia, North India and West China and is often cultivated as an ornamental. In late spring, it sends up a clump of basal foliage that gradually yellows and dies by summer as the plants go dormant. Naked flower stems rise from the ground to 4 to 6 inches tall in late summer to early fall bearing goblet-shaped flowers.

Spring Meadow Saffron, grows well in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade and prefers deep, fertile soils. To grow from bulbs, plant the corms 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart in late summer for bloom the same year in the fall. You can dig and divide the plants during the mid-summer dormant period when the plant's leaves turn, but it will naturalize over time on its own.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for slugs and snails.

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