COLCHICUM agrippium. Autumn crocus. Gardeners are familiar with this genus by way of the huge-flowered C. autumnale, often seen in full bloom on fall bulb racks. This is one of the more diminutive species. It has smooth, white bulbs with a mahogany outer coat, from which rosettes of attractively shiny, 6" lance shaped leaves appear in winter. The plant continues to grow until late spring, then disappears for the summer. The flowers appear suddenly in fall, several in succession from each bulb. Individually they are a bit over 2" long, resembling crocuses, and colored pink overall with white checkering. A tough, hardy little bulb for untended spots. It thrives with sun, most soils, normal rainfall in winter and no irrigation in summer. 10oF or less.