Also known as False Meadow Saffron · Merendera · “quitameriendas” (spanish)
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Colchicum montanum is a cormous perennial from mountainous regions, producing goblet-shaped flowers in autumn before leaves appear. It's a delicate, early-blooming specie
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers a sunny location but can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce significantly when dormant.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of temperatures, but requires a cool period for dormancy. Protect from extreme frost.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in autumn and spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Highly toxic. Contains colchicine.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly once the foliage dies back. During the growing season (autumn through spring), keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially in warmer months. Overwatering is a primary cause of bulb rot.
Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation, though this is not strictly necessary for bulb health. Trim away yellowing or dead foliage only after it has completely died back naturally.
This allows the bulb to store energy for the next blooming cycle.
Colchicum species are best propagated by separating offsets (daughter bulbs) during their dormant period, typically in summer. Replant these offsets immediately into well-draining soil.
Seeds can be sown in autumn but may take several years to flower.
Repot 'Colchicum montanum' every 2-3 years during its summer dormancy to prevent overcrowding and replenish soil. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a sandy loam.
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Colchicum Montanum (Colchicum montanum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Colchicum |
| Species | Colchicum montanum |
Similar in genus Colchicum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
