This naturally occurring variety of autumn crocus bears large, rosy-purple flowers with prominent white bases and green perianth tubes. The anthers are yellow. Plant this colchicum in full sun and moist but well-drained soil, and divide when the clumps of corms have become so congested they start to push up to the surface of the soil. Interplant the corms with companion plants that begin growth late in the season to accommodate the luxuriant spring foliage, which 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, now known as the modern nation of Georgia, home to very ornamental Colchicum species.