John Lonsdale wrote, >I struggle mightily (read - 'fail miserably') with Colchicum luteum. This is the normal procedure as far as I can tell. I think people in near-alpine areas have done all right with it. However, the late Margaret Mason in Portland, Oregon, had a flourishing clump of it in a little well-drained border right near her back door, though I don't know whether it is still around, the house having been sold. She also grew Himalayan lilies and unusual primulas well. That is a very good idea about planting the colchicums under a redbud (Cercis canadensis). I have a big C. canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (purple foliage) and will put some under it this summer. If the purple leaves don't turn green before the colchicums bloom, it should be very pretty (this variety turns GREEN in fall). Note to Jim Shields= don't throw your seed pots out so fast! A year is not enough for many colchicums to germinate. I keep them 3 years. Same with irises. Jane McGary NW Oregon