Bulb-like tuber 3 cm long, 2 cm diam., subglobose, covered by a blackish membraneous scale. Flowering plants 15-20 cm, fruiting 30 cm. Leaves 3-5, linear, 12-15 cm long. Flowers 1-3, lilac or light purple, 4-5 cm diam., 8-10 cm high. V (foliage) - spring (April) to June. Fl - early autumn (August, September) for 3-4 weeks. Fr - early spring (May, St. Petersburg). P - by seed or division. Requires a shaded position and good drainage. Z 4. New.

Crimea, the Caucasus (northern and western regions and Dagestan) and Turkey. Foothills and mountains, in the subalpine zones, in forests and shady places.