Colchicum Balansae

Colchicum balansae is a variable autumn-flowering species from southern Turkey and the Aegean region, producing low goblets that range from white and pale blush to rosy purple. The flowers emerge unexpectedly from bare ground without leaves, sometimes from deeply buried corms, creating the classic “naked lady” effect. Broad spring foliage follows months later, replenishing the corm before disappearing for summer. Compact and refined, it suits a sunny rock garden or alpine pot with fertile, sharply drained soil. All parts contain poisonous colchicine and must never be eaten.