Cup and a Saucer
Colchicum spp.
Also known as
Men-In-A-Boat, Bobbejaanskoen, Autumn crocus, Crocus, Naked ladies
Colchicum brachyphyllum by Gidip (CC BY 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
6a-10a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
20cm | Max | 10cm |
5cm | Min | 5cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Cup and a Saucer
Cup and a Saucer Overview
Colchicum plants are often called Naked Ladies, Naked Lady, Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron. This genus contains just over 100 perennial species native to West Asia, Europe and Mediterranean coastal regions through to South, Eastern Africa and the Western Cape. Colchicum plants are hardy perennial corms that produce showy, funnel-shaped flowers in spring or autumn. Naturally they are white, lavender or pink in colour. Temperate adapted species are cultivated for their flowers as ornamental garden plants and many hybrids and cultivars exist in an assortment of colours. A low maintenance plant, Colchicums are suitable for many garden situations including mixed borders, containers, gravel and rock gardens. Easily mixed up with the similar genus, Crocus. Colchicum is distinguished from them through the larger amount and size of flowers. All species are considered toxic. Sometimes grown under glass, most colchicums are suitable for growing outside where they prefer fertile, well-drained soil (but not too dry in the growing season) and need a sunny spot. Never allow them to become waterlogged.
Common problems with Cup and a Saucer
How to propagate Cup and a Saucer
Seed
Division
Separate corms when dormant.
Special features of Cup and a Saucer
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Cup and a Saucer
Grown for their mainly goblet shaped blooms.
Summer Flowering Bulbs
Plant out these flowering bulbs in spring to enjoy their summer performance.
Explore allAutumn Colour Plants – Top 20
With stunning autumn colour, these plants will extend the garden season and delight the eye.