Dear Dennis, Steve and all; I think subject of Manfreda x Polianthes hybrids is a fascinating new topic, but it got me thinking. I grow three species of Polianthes and always bring them in for winter, but how hardy are they outdoors? I did a quick Google and came up with Zone 6 - 7 - 8 and 9 ! just for P. tuberosa, the most common species. Surely someone in PBS grows them out doors with success. I'd sure like to hear what species you grow outdoors and how hardy they have been. Likewise does anyone grow any of the other Manfreda species in cooler climates? I always assumed they were too tender. And M virginica has the widest range (and tolerance?). So who is growing which species and where. Just FYI you can see some other Polianthes sp at http://www.yuccado.com/ The author of the article on the hybrids suggests that these crosses have been made before. Anyone grow any of these or are they available commercially ? I did come across the "mangave" a possible "hybrid between Manfreda variegata and Agave celsii [A. mitis] " Thanks for bringing up this topic. Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +