I created a new wiki page for the genus Ixiolirion and added two photos of I. tataricum. http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/… I bought bulbs last fall, and noticed the thin foliage over the past several weeks, but didn't notice any buds developing. To my surprise, the plants were in bloom one morning this past week, and I'm impressed just how pretty the flowers are... large, blue-purple trumpets, somewhat reminiscent of Triteliea. Not being familiar with the genus, I did a Google search at lunchhour yesterday to find out more. Seems that there are lots of species names, but most are reduced to synonymy with I. tataricum. There are only 2-3 species, from C. & SW Asia, and extending into China. The following link from the online eFlora of China is useful: http://efloras.org/florataxon.aspx/… Most websites seem to parrot hardiness information by saying it's only winter hardy to USDA Zone 6. The native range of the species suggests the plant is much hardier, and at least a couple websites I found give Zone 4 hardiness rating. This past winter was mild-ish here, probably no more than a Zone 6, so I'm curious to know if other people have experience growing this lovely plant, how cold hardy is it, and is it long-lived. Mark McDonough Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States antennaria@aol.com "New England" USDA Zone 5 ============================================== >> web site under construction - http://www.plantbuzz.com/ << alliums, bulbs, penstemons, hardy hibiscus, western american alpines, iris, plants of all types!