There is a series of hybrids, E x isabellinus, from E.olgae x = E.stenophyllus which I am finding reliable growers here, and come in a = good range of colours. I have also seen them growing in large clumps in = borders. My weather conditions are not too different from yours except = the temperature range is shifted downwards and probably with more rain. = In fact our conditions are far removed from those of Afghanistan. Light = or well drained soil is probably the most important factor and avoid = damaging the large overwintering buds which are at surface level Peter.Maynard@btinternet.com S.E. England Zone 8 Coastal Plain natales grate numeras