Jim Waddick asked: " Just how hardy is G. tristes? HAs anyone in a cold winter climate tried it outdoors?" I grow it in my protected cold frame; when I have enough to spare, I'll try some in sheltered spots in the garden. I've heard or read (but don't remember where) that it's been grown in zone 7 gardens. For me it has definitely been a winter grower, and so I frankly doubt its long term success in the open garden. But evidently different forms exist - Mary Sue mentioned a late flowering form once, and that might be one to try in marginal gardens. Jim McKenney jimmckenney@jimmckenney.com Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, 39.03871º North, 77.09829º West, USDA zone 7, where the big Allium are blooming now. My Virtual Maryland Garden http://www.jimmckenney.com/ BLOG! http://mcwort.blogspot.com/ Webmaster Potomac Valley Chapter, NARGS Editor PVC Bulletin http://www.pvcnargs.org/ Webmaster Potomac Lily Society http://www.potomaclilysociety.org/