Flower buds emerge white and then change to pale lilac with a distinctive white cup. Introduced to science by M. Leichtlin in 1890. It is close in appearance to Colchicum speciosum but differs in the flowers being broadly funnel-shaped, not bell shaped.

Plant in full sun and moist but well drained soils. Divide when the clumps of corms have become so congested they start to push up to the surface of the soil. Interplant corms with companion plants that begin growth late in the season to accommodate the luxuriant spring foliage and that provide a backdrop for the flowers in Fall. Examples include cultivars of Heuchera, Phlox paniculata, Hylotelephium spectabile, Sedum spurium, Festuca ovina glauca, Phlox subulata and Thymus vulgaris.

All parts of the plant are toxic and should not be ingested. The toxins interfer with normal cell growth.

The genus name pays homage to the ancient kingdom of Colchis at the eastern end of the Black Sea; home to very ornamental Colchicum species and the modern nation of Georgia.