Colchicum

Easy to grow in good, deep, moisture-retentive soil, these appear from their summer dormancy, denuded of leaves, to flower in the autumn - hence ''Naked Ladies'' Their bright flowers last incredibly well considering their apparent susceptibility, the leaves only properly appearing in winter to early spring and last until midsummer. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and will cause skin irritation on contact. They need to be planted 3" (8cm) deep perhaps a little more for the bigger bulbs - and 6" apart. The smaller-flowered forms will naturalise effectively but the mower will have to be restrained until the leaves wither away in June.

Please order early because after the end of September, they will flower regardless of whether they have been planted or not !