Mary Sue, Addressing a couple of your summary comments/questions.... From memory they flower here in Spring/Early summer, but they are in growth from Autumn through until just after flowering. They are dormant from memory throughout the heat of summer when they get their baking, but are shooting around now I think. I know the cycle of Scilla peruviana which is similar in many ways, but it actually tends to be basically evergreen here, sending up its new growth as the old growth is finally dying off (teh Scilla peruviana have just sent up their new leaves in the last few weeks, and I think that natalensis will be doing so soon if not already?).... whereas I think that the Scilla natalensis does have a definite dormancy here (well it is definitely dormant in my pot anyway). I received my bulbs last year from Lyn E, so perhaps she would know more from her experience of them as she has had them for longer? They definitely grow throughout winter here then flower before dying back, rather than growing throughout summer as you mentioned in your summary. So... does that muddy the water a bit more? <grin> Cheers. Paul Tyerman Canberra, Australia. USDA equivalent - Zone 8/9 mailto:ptyerman@ozemail.com.au Growing.... Galanthus, Erythroniums, Fritillarias, Cyclamen, Crocus, Cyrtanthus, Liliums, Hellebores, Aroids, Irises plus just about anything else that doesn't move!!!!!