FIVE COOL COLCHICUMS

1 C. X AGRIPPINUM

In September and October, 4in stems carry deep pink flowers marked with a distinctive chequerboard pattern.

2 C. AUTUMNALE ALBUM

A floriferous variety with fairly small, goblet-shaped, snowy white flowers held on 6in stems.

3 C. HARLEKIJN

A distinctive variety, below, with violet flowers and twisted petals that are ivory white towards the tips.

4 C. LILAC BEDDER

A vigorous form that clumps up nicely, featuring large, violet-mauve flowers with white throats above 8in stems.

5 C. ROSY DAWN

Carried on 6in stems, its goblet-shaped, bright pink flowers with white centres are slightly fragrant.