The violet-colored flowers of Colchicum bloom in October and are accented with a greenish-white, star-shaped center featuring a golden eye and anthers.

Plant in full sun and moist but well-drained soils. Divide when the clumps of corms have become so congested that they start to push up to the surface of the soil. Interplant corms with companion plants that begin growth late in the season to accomodate the luxuriant spring foliage that provides a backdrop for the flowers in fall. Examples include cultivars of Heuchera, Phlox paniculata, Hylotelephium spectabile, Sedum spurium, Festuca ovina glauca, Phlox subulata, and Thymus vulgaris.

All parts of the plant are toxic and should not be ingested. The toxins interfere with normal cell growth.

The genus name pays homage to the ancient kingdom of Colchis at the eastern end of the Black Sea, the modern nation of Georgia, home to very ornamental Colchicum species.