Leo Martin's recollections of Harold Koopowitz's comments on the rapid supercession of 'King Alfred' prompt me to suggest that there a great many plants 'out there' in general cultivation that have long been superseded by better cultivars but which for one reason or another hang on in the catalogues/books. One is ease of propagation, as some clones multiply much better than others and can easily be mass-produced where 'better' ones are more difficult. Another, and also very potent reason, is emotion. The success of 'King Alfred' must surely be due in part to the name, which has a great appeal to all Anglo-Saxons. One can think of other examples: the Rose 'Peace' for example, or Astrantia 'Ruby Wedding', both superseded in their groups in technical terms, but retaining a high place in the public's view. We must not forget marketing either! Michael Jefferson-Brown in his book 'Daffodils' says of 'King Alfred': In 1899...100 bulbs were sold for over £5 each - the total would have bought a street of houses. %0 years in the limelight embedded its name in the public consciousness to such an extent that it is still used as a label to sell many later-raised kinds. despite this huge advance it was not always the easiest of plants to grow.' John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Garden Manager, Colesbourne Gardens Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Website: http://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/