Dear Jane; I have not tried G. palustris, but wonder if it needs added moisture, from its 'swampy' name. Your G. 'dubius' sounds rather interesting . Will it appear on your summer bulb list? Seems to be pretty unanimous about the confusion over species names. The European Garden Flora (Vol 1) distinguishes italicus, imbricatus, and communis (with ssp byzantinus) over ratio of anther to filament and if flowers are in one row or two. They also list G. illyricus, another mixed up species to me. I wonder if these are distinct in hort/commerce or is it just me? All are listed as pink flowers with some minor variation to red-purple. No white forms listed. EGF says the most commonly cultivated European glad (communis) is sterile with only 90 instead of 120 chromosomes. G. atroviolacea is the only distinctly different/darker colored flower given for a potentially hardy glad. Haven't tried it yet. Jane? Best 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 +