Dear Jim, Lachenalia (with Veltheimia and Haemanthus) are the marginal species which suffer in the ground outdoors here. When well protected from wind and they may stand -4-5° (23-25F) and the Lachenalia have survived well this winter in the ground in a shade hall. But all three look so much better in our nursery in the 'citrus' zone on the sea where temperatures rarely drop below -2° (28f). I confirm also that large trees offer aditional protection. "J.E. Shields" a *crit : > I have some unusual Lachenalia species coming. This got me to thinking > about how people grow these bulbs. Is there anywhere in North America > where Lachenalia can be grown outdoors, in the ground? -- Lauw de Jager BULB'ARGENCE, 30300 Fourques, France Site: http://www.bulbargence.com/ Région: Provence/Camargue, Climat zone: 9a Mediterranean, dry July-August, peak rainfall in autumn, minimum temps -3-7°C (28-21F) Reference vegetation: Arbutus unedo, Olea europeaea,