Corsican Meadow Saffron Plant Care
Colchicum corsicum Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Colchicum corsicum is a unique plant known for its striking purple flowers that bloom without any leaves, making it a standout in the garden. Originating from the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean, this plant is prized by enthusiasts for its ability to thrive in rocky, dry conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Water Corsican Meadow Saffron every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Corsican Meadow Saffron Native To?
What Is the Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Corsican Meadow Saffron (Colchicum corsicum) belongs to the Colchicaceae family within the Colchicum genus. Corsican Meadow Saffron is native to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia in the Mediterranean.
Corsican Meadow Saffron displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Corsican Meadow Saffron produces showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Colchicum corsicum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Corsican Meadow Saffron Need?
Corsican Meadow Saffron thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Corsican Meadow Saffron Prefer?
Colchicum corsicum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Corsican Meadow Saffron prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Well-draining, sandy loam soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Corsican Meadow Saffron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Feed Corsican Meadow Saffron every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Corsican Meadow Saffron can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to autumn crocus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Corsican Meadow Saffron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Corsican Meadow Saffron?
Corsican Meadow Saffron is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Corsican Meadow Saffron Need?
Corsican Meadow Saffron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Corsican Meadow Saffron is native to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia in the Mediterranean.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Corsican Meadow Saffron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Colchicum genus — compare its care with other Colchicum species on PlantoScan.
Colchicum is part of the Colchicaceae plant family — browse all Colchicaceae genera and species.
Corsican Meadow Saffron thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Colchicum Species
Other Colchicum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Colchicum corsicum Baker, family Colchicaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 17: 481 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Corsican Meadow Saffron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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