Hi Fred, The Gloxinia (Seemannia) sylvatica you will receive has been growing here in Florida, zone 9b. It grows in half-day (morning sun), blooms in the late fall and goes somewhat dormant in summer. It gets water all year. I have, however, dried some rhizomes off in summer with no problems. I have been told it is hardy to zone 8, but the year before last we had a light touch of frost and a few of the leaves around the outside browned. The rhizomes were fine. It sends out runners and multiplies like mad. Lynn Makela Tampa, Florida