Harlequin

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.