Yes - some of the species definitely grow in zone 9a or higher. They do better with excellent drainage and good sun otherwise the flowers fall over and look lanky. You can leave them inground to multiply until they get overcrowded - then lift and thin out. It can take several years to reach this point. Plant out in July on to November in fine grass, or under high deciduous trees, or in normal beds. No chilling required at all. Just get them in before they start flowering if possible. They'll flower out of the ground, with no soil at all. They flower first. Die down. Then the leaves come up weeks later and last over winter before going dormant for summer.

They are (clearly) long lived and flourish in the temperate UK climate so yes, they are astonishingly common here - almost every garden I have worked in has a clump or 2 stowed away. However, I also have to say that nearly all of them are stashed in a shady, often damp area...and planted very meanly (just 1 or 2 bulbs). When I see a thriving naturalised colony, upright in open grass, I could be persuaded to enjoy them but sadly, it is a rare occurrence to see one which is not squished on its side in sodden soil under a shrub (where cyclamen really do emerge victorious). I agree, PosieRosie, autumn bulbs are often overlooked. I have only really started growing them since acquiring more space...and the often rank, vigour of an English September/October seems to call for rampant sturdy perennials rather than dainty bulbs...and in sun, I for sure have been still engrossed in the summer delights of dahlia, salvias, hesperanthus, alstroemeria...with a complete reluctance to admit tasteful pastels. Trying to get to grips with my quite visceral dislike of colchies - not wanting to offend growers who love them.

Can colchicums grow and bloom successfully in zone 9? If not do I refigerate them like tulips? How many hours? Do they need to be cold when they bloom like tulips? Would it be easier to force them in fall and let them grow in winter when the temps are usually in the 20's to 30's at night? I have the same questions about old world mandrakes (Mandragora officinarum) because they look like primrose, but there is so little info about them its shocking. I did get enough info to tell me they are picky though... bummer. -Jason

I have daylilies. I'm going to try this! And maybe put the lycoris behind them? "I’ve achieved a similar effect by positioning colchicum corms diagonally in front of daylilies. The foliage of both plants emerges early, but the colchicum leaves grow faster. By the time the daylily leaves are fully extended, the colchicum leaves are dying back. In fall, when the colchicums bloom, I cut down the daylily foliage, which is usually looking ratty by then."