Naked Ladies

Colchicum, with their leafless, pink flowers, are often referred to by this provocative title. They make a bold splash of colour in the early autumn garden, flowering as the days shorten and temperatures drop. The leaves, which appear in late winter are often huge and untidy, lasting long through the spring so these bulbs need to be sited with care. They do best in a sunny spot in good, rich soil.

This one is Colchicum bivonae, a large flowered species Colchicum with nicely chequered petals.