Dear All; Apologies to Diana, Russell and other private emails on this topic. Responsible and reliable growers responded to my generalities which (in general) did not apply to them. I fully understand the obstacles for a small nursery and their doing the right thing. I always try to encourage specialty growers of all kinds. I think there was something here though of attacking the messenger, not the message. I think the specifics I spoke of are true, as generalities. Growing something long enough to determine its true identify and then its propagation, are long-term expensive propositions. Skipping these 'details' happens all too often. It is well worth the extra $ to buy from a reliable grower than a mega-store with few scruples and eager to make a quick $. Lycoris may be especially prone to problems for the reliable grower. They need to be dug and shipped on their schedule, not on the fall bulb schedule (or grown potted, as some are). They may take a couple years to recover from the stress of mis-handling, they may not all grow in any one climate etc. I think good true-to-name plants of every sort deserve a premium price. In my years of selling thousands of bulbs I always gave plenty of caveats. My importations were to help friends in China and along the way get interesting bulbs into the hands of good gardeners. I frequently had to limit the number of bulbs sold to an individual or the first buyer would have bought all of some varieties. This to spread rare varieties around more. I regularly mentioned that varieties can come and go from year to year and have no permanent availability. And I always helped and advised anyone who ASKED. I have had offers from other Chinese entrepreneurs to buy Lycoris bulbs, but my intent was never just to sell bulbs. And some entrepreneurial sorts are willing to put any label on any bulb if it fetches a better price. I could have, still could, sell mixed Chinese species and hybrids, but this only encourages more misidentification and confusion in the long run. Apologies to those who felt I hit close to home, I assure you no evil intent was at the base. And I still encourage every one to buy from the specialty bulb grower who actually grows their own materials and has invested a lot of time, anguish and effort into each carefully treasured bulb, corm and tuber. best wishes to all. Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 E-fax 419-781-8594 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +