Sponsor a display of autumn crocus (Colchicum speciosum)
Sponsoring one of Kew’s renowned bulb displays is a special way to celebrate the life of a loved one or to remember a special anniversary or family event.
Autumn crocus, also known as meadow saffron, brings a welcome splash of colour on the Holly Walk from August through to October.
Personal dedication
- All gifts are recorded on Kew's Commemorative Touchscreen Register.
- The register at Kew Gardens is located in the Secluded Garden glasshouse.
Introducing autumn crocus
Named after Colchis, a mountainous area bordering the Black Sea in Georgia, Colchicum speciosum is also native to Europe, North Africa, Asia, as well as Northern India and Western China.
In mythology they are said to be the first plant species to have grown from drops of the potion brewed by the enchantress Medea, daughter of the the king of Colchis, to restore youth to the ageing Aeson. The plant is the source of the drug colchicine, still used in the treatment for gout.
Colchicum speciosum is an autumn-flowering corm, with pink/purple flowers appearing from August through to October, with the leaves emerging later. They reach 15-20 cm in height.
Common names include meadow saffron and autumn crocus.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs - download our commemorative giving form (pdf) or phone us on 0208 332 3200 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) to make a donation by card.
Autumn crocus at Kew Gardens
Autumn crocus brings a welcome splash of colour along the Holly Walk at Kew Gardens.
Holly Walk was one of the avenues planted by Sir Joseph Hooker in 1874, and was formerly Love Lane, the dividing line between the two estates, which now make up Kew Gardens.
Species information
Colchicum is part of the Colchicaceae family.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs
These bulb displays are available for sponsorship of £250 each and funds raised will be used for the planting and maintenance of the Gardens.
Your dedication will be recorded on the Commemorative Touchscreen Register in the Secluded Garden Glasshouse at Kew Gardens and you will receive a personalised certificate detailing your chosen species.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs - download our commemorative giving form (pdf) or phone us on 0208 332 3200 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) to make a donation by card.
Flowering bulbs available at Kew Gardens
1. Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
2. ‘February Gold’ daffodil (Narcissus) and Tenby daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris)
3. Crocus 'Whitewell Purple' (Crocus tommasinianus)
4. 'Glory of the snow' (Chionodoxa siehei)
5. Snakes’ head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris)
6. Autumn crocus (Colchicum speciosum)
There are also five plant species available to sponsor at Wakehurst.
- Print friendly
- Send to a friend
-
Send to a friend Close
- Spread the word
-
Spread the word Close
- Blog this
- Donate
Remember someone
Follow Kew
Keep up to date with events and news from Kew
How you are helping
Kew is taking part in the 'Big Give Christmas Challenge'
09 Nov 2012
This year, Kew is taking part in the 'Big Give Christmas Challenge', a campaign to encourage philanthropic giving by matching a donors’ gift. Effectively your donation to the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership could be doubled! We need to raise £50,000 for next year’s seed collecting trips, as well as expanding our work on using existing collections. Please note: This campaign ran from 6 to 19 December 2012 and has now finished.
Your donations can help Kew inspire visitors through our Gardens
21 Aug 2012
A recent donation from a Kew supporter will give more of our visitors the chance to explore our beautiful Gardens.
Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Partnership ‘top banana’ as it celebrates banking 10% of the world’s wild plant species.
15 Oct 2009
Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Partnership is celebrating collecting, banking and conserving 10% of the world’s wild plant species by banking its 24,200th plant species.
Patrons tour of the Palm House
27 Jul 2012
A group of Kew Patrons enjoyed a revealing tour of Kew's most iconic glasshouse. Palm House Manager Wesley Shaw spoke about the history of the building, the plants in the collection and the day-to-day work of maintaining this unique part of the Gardens.
