This plant originates from the Eastern Mediteranean regions. It is not a plant that I could grow in the open garden and I would not think it reliable in most of the UK. It will withstand a few degrees of frost for a short while but I would also think that our winter wet would do for it without protection.

I grow it in a raised bed and it has come through the last 3 years. wether it will this winter is a matter of 'wait and see'.
I would plant them, 'claw' tips down and about 1-2" deep in good compost any time now but keep them frost free. Then plant where you'd like them to flower. I have used them in pots and planters in th first yr then into the raised bed subseqently.