Dear Boyce: In the 2nd edition of BULBS I write about some 50 species with 8 or so being illustrated. Many can be grown in USDA Zone 9, with just a little protection, but most, if not all, will not stand frost and temperatures at night in the 40 F range are needed. Thus it should be possible for those who can provide some protection, to grow them. They are, in my opinion, quite beautiful and it is interesting to think about crossing some, especially the yellow species, with Pelargonium zonale or with Ivy Leaf species. The question of hardiness has not, to my knowledge, been factually established. I would not be surprised at all to find them hardier than supposed, but I would not think they would ever be hardier than, (or less hardy) than our common window box cultivars, which have survived many winters for me in San Francisco. Cheers, John E. Bryan Boyce Tankersley wrote: > > Dear David: > > This group of geophytes is absolutely new to me and I've read your introduction with great interest. Great job! I don't suppose any of these have been trialed for winter hardiness in the USA? > > Many thanks, > > Boyce Tankersley > btankers@chicagobotanic.org > > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php