Quick Guide: autumn, hardy, full sun, height: 15cm/6in, width:23cm/9in

The autumn crocus is not in fact related to the crocus, though they look similar when in flower. Colchicums are members of the lily family (crocuses belong to the iris family), with oval (not flat) corms and long, rather untidy leaves. This feature should be borne in mind when choosing a planting site, as the leaves persist long after the flowers have died down. As they can be left undisturbed for years, it is a good idea to group them in rough grass.

GROWING Plant the corms in late summer in any type of well drained soil. Set them 70cm/4in deep in small groups. Lift and divide when overcrowded.

PROPAGATION Lift the corms in summer, detach the offsets and replant immediately.

SPECIES C;. speciosum (above), flowers in shades of mauve. Beautiful hybrids developed from the species include `The Giant', large mauve flowers, white centre; `Album', pure white; `Atrorubens', crimson-purple.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs may eat the corms and leaves.