Waterlily colchicum, also known as the double-flowered autumn crocus, is a stand-out accent in the garden because of its surprise factor. It starts out as an herbaceous perennial that sends up lanced-shaped leaves up to 10 inches high early in the year, followed by summer dormancy. Come September, however, its fully double, lavender-pink blooms appear, growing to about 5 inches high. It is drought tolerant, does well in gravel gardens, next to trees or among small ground covers, though its ideal site is in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in an open site in full sun. It works well in a mixed border with hardy geraniums, which can help hold up its somewhat floppy flowers. It lasts a long time as a cut flower. All its parts, however, are poisonous if ingested.
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