Colchicum ‘Harlequin’ is apparently new enough that only Odyssey Bulbs, from whom I bought it, has any information on it: “With their pointed, twisted, creamy-white segments, blotched irregularly with purple toward their bases, the flowers (borne in September) of this aptly named and utterly distinctive cultivar really do give the impression of a jester’s hat or pantaloons. Breaks new ground for the genus, both in color and form.” Jane McGary describes this flower as “rather ugly,” but I think it’s kind of cute. Certainly, its “utterly distinctive” form is a refreshing change from the ubiquitous goblet shape. Ms. McGary refers to it as a sport, but I don’t know which colchicum it’s a sport of. This is my first year growing it, so I can’t give any opinion on how vigorous a grower it is. I guess it all comes down to whether you are in the “cute” or the “ugly” camp.
When dealing with frost it is always best to be paranoid. In the spring never think it is too late for one more frost to come. And in the fall never think it too early.
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