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Naked Lady (Colchicum)
Also known as : meadow saffron
The naked Lady are showy-flowered plants that grow from corms (bulb-like, underground stem structures). Many species in this genus produce small but beautiful flowers, and there are several common cultivars that are used in both temperate and tropical gardens. This plant's common name of Naked ladies are derived from their autumn-blooming, 'naked' flowers that arrive well before their narrow foliage in the spring season. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Naked Lady
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Attributes of Naked Lady
Plant Height
10 cm to 30 cm
Spread
10 cm to 15 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Naked Lady
Distribution of Naked Lady
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Distribution Map of Naked Lady
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Naked Lady
Feedback
Naked Lady is a bulbous plant genus appreciated for its vibrant late-summer and autumn blooms. Basic Care Needs include moderate to bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate moisture, avoiding waterlogged conditions. Common Challenges are rot if overwatered, susceptibility to pests like slugs, and diseases such as bulb rot. Seasonal Considerations entail reducing watering post-bloom, providing appropriate cold-dormancy in winter, and ensuring the soil is dry in summer when the plant is dormant.
Exploring the Naked Lady Plants
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8 most common species：
Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a flowering plant native to the coast of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its flower stalks grow up after a period of time after its leaves die out, so you can see its flowers or leaves but never both. Consumption of autumn crocus is toxic and is particularly poisonous to cats. Autumn crocus is not the source of saffron. Saffron is produced by another species in the crocus family.
False meadow saffron
False meadow saffron is an autumnal crocus adored for its thin, pointy purple petals with striking white centers and yellow filaments. The plant's leaves, seeds, and underground storage organ are poisonous. Despite this, false meadow saffron is a popular ornamental plant, often featuring in garden displays.
False autumn crocus
Tuberobulb 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 (-2) cm. Brown tunics, extending up to 2 to 5 cm above the tuberobulb. Membranous sheath, white, as long as the tunics or slightly longer. Leaves up to 10 cm long and (1-) 1.5-2.5 (-3) mm wide, linear, appearing almost simultaneously with the flowers. Solitary flowers, rarely 2 per bulb.
Spring meadow saffron
Spring meadow saffron is a showy, low-growing perennial herb suitable for borders, bedding, and ground cover. Its nectar attracts pollinators while its sap discourages other animals from feeding on it. It's susceptible to snugs and snails. It is highly toxic if ingested.
Alpine saffron
Colchicum alpinum, the alpine autumn crocus, is a corm-forming perennial with pale, delicate rosy-purple flowers, similar to C. autumnale but smaller. It is native to the Alps and the Appennini of Italy, Switzerland, France and Sicily, and cultivated as an ornamental in other regions.
Showy colchicum
Growing to 18 cm tall by 10 cm wide, it is an herbaceous perennial growing from corms. Colchicum speciosum blooms in the fall, producing reddish/violet flowers on stems up to 30 cm tall without any leaves present. The strap-like leaves grow in the spring, then yellow, wither and die back as summer progresses.
Naked ladies 'Pink Goblet'
Naked ladies 'Pink Goblet' is a bright and attractive Colchicum with goblet-shaped flowers of a unique lilac-pink coloration and sweetly fragrant scent. These perennial bulbs produce up to 6 flowers that can each reach 7 cm wide. The name ‘naked lady’ derives from the flowers, which bloom alone, 'nakedly,' before the leaves grow.
Showy colchicum 'Atrorubens'
Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, showy colchicum 'Atrorubens' delivers large amethyst-and-white flowers atop purple stems. Cultivated from Colchicum speciosum, the cultivar was named after the deep colors present in both the petals and stem. Showy colchicum 'Atrorubens' is highly valued for its late blooming period, resistance to disease, and lovely appearance.
All Species of Naked Lady
Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a flowering plant native to the coast of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its flower stalks grow up after a period of time after its leaves die out, so you can see its flowers or leaves but never both. Consumption of autumn crocus is toxic and is particularly poisonous to cats. Autumn crocus is not the source of saffron. Saffron is produced by another species in the crocus family.
False meadow saffron
False meadow saffron
False meadow saffron is an autumnal crocus adored for its thin, pointy purple petals with striking white centers and yellow filaments. The plant's leaves, seeds, and underground storage organ are poisonous. Despite this, false meadow saffron is a popular ornamental plant, often featuring in garden displays.
False autumn crocus
False autumn crocus
Tuberobulb 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 (-2) cm. Brown tunics, extending up to 2 to 5 cm above the tuberobulb. Membranous sheath, white, as long as the tunics or slightly longer. Leaves up to 10 cm long and (1-) 1.5-2.5 (-3) mm wide, linear, appearing almost simultaneously with the flowers. Solitary flowers, rarely 2 per bulb.
Spring meadow saffron
Spring meadow saffron
Spring meadow saffron is a showy, low-growing perennial herb suitable for borders, bedding, and ground cover. Its nectar attracts pollinators while its sap discourages other animals from feeding on it. It's susceptible to snugs and snails. It is highly toxic if ingested.
Alpine saffron
Alpine saffron
Colchicum alpinum, the alpine autumn crocus, is a corm-forming perennial with pale, delicate rosy-purple flowers, similar to C. autumnale but smaller. It is native to the Alps and the Appennini of Italy, Switzerland, France and Sicily, and cultivated as an ornamental in other regions.
Showy colchicum
Showy colchicum
Growing to 18 cm tall by 10 cm wide, it is an herbaceous perennial growing from corms. Colchicum speciosum blooms in the fall, producing reddish/violet flowers on stems up to 30 cm tall without any leaves present. The strap-like leaves grow in the spring, then yellow, wither and die back as summer progresses.
Naked ladies 'Pink Goblet'
Naked ladies 'Pink Goblet'
Naked ladies 'Pink Goblet' is a bright and attractive Colchicum with goblet-shaped flowers of a unique lilac-pink coloration and sweetly fragrant scent. These perennial bulbs produce up to 6 flowers that can each reach 7 cm wide. The name ‘naked lady’ derives from the flowers, which bloom alone, 'nakedly,' before the leaves grow.
Showy colchicum 'Atrorubens'
Showy colchicum 'Atrorubens'
Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, showy colchicum 'Atrorubens' delivers large amethyst-and-white flowers atop purple stems. Cultivated from Colchicum speciosum, the cultivar was named after the deep colors present in both the petals and stem. Showy colchicum 'Atrorubens' is highly valued for its late blooming period, resistance to disease, and lovely appearance.
Showy colchicum 'Album'
Showy colchicum 'Album'
Boasting elegant, goblet-shaped white flowers, showy colchicum 'Album' emerges in late summer to early autumn as a beacon among perennials. Its blooms arise from the earth absent of foliage, which appears post-flowering, providing a lush carpet until spring. This hardy beauty thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade, mirroring the temperate meadow origins of its kin.
Naked ladies 'Rosy Dawn'
Naked ladies 'Rosy Dawn'
Naked ladies 'Rosy Dawn' is a variety of the Colchicum genus and is named for its gorgeous rosy purple-pink color, with accompanying sunrise-gold stamens. Not only is this cultivar loved for its appearance, it is also prized as one of the most fragrant varieties in the genus.
Naked ladies 'Lilac Wonder'
Naked ladies 'Lilac Wonder'
Naked ladies 'Lilac Wonder' is an old hybrid cultivar of the Naked ladies, known as one of the tallest among its cultivars, growing up to 30 cm tall. Its autumn-blooming crocus-like purple-blue flowers with golden anthers are selected to be quite large. The cultivar was presumably named after the color of its flowers.
Autumn crocus 'The Giant'
Autumn crocus 'The Giant'
As you’d expect, autumn crocus 'The Giant' is an autumn crocus noted for its large-sized flowers which bloom profusely. They produce up to ten lavender white flowers long in advance of leaf growth. This growth pattern is markedly different from the parent plant which typically produces solitary flowers.
Autumn crocus 'Album'
Autumn crocus 'Album'
Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, autumn crocus 'Album' is renowned for its massive white flowers, sturdiness, and easy growing habit. Cultivated as a hybrid of other Colchicums, this variant was named after its white blooms, which are like blank pages of a photo album, ready to hold memories. Autumn crocus 'Album' is among the most famous Autumn crocus because of its ornamental value and ease of care.
Autumn crocus 'Waterlily'
Autumn crocus 'Waterlily'
Autumn crocus 'Waterlily' offers lovely double-flowered pink-lilac blooms atop strap-shaped, gray-green foliage. It is a hybrid cross between Colchicum autumnale 'Alboplenum' and Colchicum speciosum 'Album.' The name was given because the flowers are similar in shape to those of waterlilies. Makes a stunning display along walkways and garden paths.
Colchicum feinbruniae
Colchicum feinbruniae
Colchicum feinbruniae is a perennial bulbous plant producing striking, funnel-shaped violet blooms with white throats during autumn. Its slender leaves emerge after flowering, thriving in the rocky, limestone-rich soils of its Middle Eastern habitats. These vibrant flowers often signal the transition from summer's heat to cooler autumn days in its native regions.
False autumn crocus
False autumn crocus
Perennial. Corm oblong tunics blackish prolonged along the sheath. Leaves 5-7 glabrous very narrow appearing at the same time as flowers. Flowers fasciculate44630 short pink surrounded with a transparent sheath. Tube 5-6 times longer than perianth. Tepals obtuse or subacute 20 mm long over 2–3 mm wide. Stamens yellowish a little shorter than the filiform styles. It flowers in fall–winter coinciding with the onset of the rainy season in the Levant and is one of the first autumn flowers to bloom. Its violet-pink flowers will cover the burnt-out vegetation overnight after the very first rain.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Naked Lady
Colchicum
Also known as: meadow saffron
The naked Lady are showy-flowered plants that grow from corms (bulb-like, underground stem structures). Many species in this genus produce small but beautiful flowers, and there are several common cultivars that are used in both temperate and tropical gardens. This plant's common name of Naked ladies are derived from their autumn-blooming, 'naked' flowers that arrive well before their narrow foliage in the spring season.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Naked Lady
Feedback
Attributes of Naked Lady
Plant Height
10 cm to 30 cm
Spread
10 cm to 15 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Naked Lady
Distribution of Naked Lady
Feedback
Distribution Map of Naked Lady
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Naked Lady
Feedback
Naked Lady is a bulbous plant genus appreciated for its vibrant late-summer and autumn blooms. Basic Care Needs include moderate to bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate moisture, avoiding waterlogged conditions. Common Challenges are rot if overwatered, susceptibility to pests like slugs, and diseases such as bulb rot. Seasonal Considerations entail reducing watering post-bloom, providing appropriate cold-dormancy in winter, and ensuring the soil is dry in summer when the plant is dormant.
Exploring the Naked Lady Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a flowering plant native to the coast of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its flower stalks grow up after a period of time after its leaves die out, so you can see its flowers or leaves but never both. Consumption of autumn crocus is toxic and is particularly poisonous to cats. Autumn crocus is not the source of saffron. Saffron is produced by another species in the crocus family.
False meadow saffron
False meadow saffron is an autumnal crocus adored for its thin, pointy purple petals with striking white centers and yellow filaments. The plant's leaves, seeds, and underground storage organ are poisonous. Despite this, false meadow saffron is a popular ornamental plant, often featuring in garden displays.
False autumn crocus
Tuberobulb 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 (-2) cm. Brown tunics, extending up to 2 to 5 cm above the tuberobulb. Membranous sheath, white, as long as the tunics or slightly longer. Leaves up to 10 cm long and (1-) 1.5-2.5 (-3) mm wide, linear, appearing almost simultaneously with the flowers. Solitary flowers, rarely 2 per bulb.
Spring meadow saffron
Spring meadow saffron is a showy, low-growing perennial herb suitable for borders, bedding, and ground cover. Its nectar attracts pollinators while its sap discourages other animals from feeding on it. It's susceptible to snugs and snails. It is highly toxic if ingested.
Show More Species
All Species of Naked Lady
Autumn crocus
False meadow saffron
False autumn crocus
Spring meadow saffron
Alpine saffron
Showy colchicum
Naked ladies 'Pink Goblet'
Showy colchicum 'Atrorubens'
Showy colchicum 'Album'
Naked ladies 'Rosy Dawn'
Naked ladies 'Lilac Wonder'
Autumn crocus 'The Giant'
Autumn crocus 'Album'
Autumn crocus 'Waterlily'
Colchicum feinbruniae
False autumn crocus
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
