> > At least 3 South African species have brightly orange to >yellow flowers ( O dubium, O maculatum and O. multifolium). > > The wiki page >(http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/…) >shows some hybrids . but they seem to be all South African too. > > Are there any hardy hybrid Ornithogalum ythat are any color >other than same-old-white? Jim, I realise this is not what you'd call hardy, but the Ornithogalum dubium (yellow form) I have sail through -8 or -9'C without a problem. I think that is hardier than people seem to think of them. I've never lost one of frost so I would hazard that they'll take quite a bit colder than that as well? Mine are out in the open in small pots, and unbothered by the cold at all. I realise that isn't your type of hardy, but it is hardier than I have heard others talk about them at times. I'm so so on the other Orniths, but wouldn't be without the yellow dubium. The orange dubium on the other hand goes dormant and never reshoots again. I've never had one of those come back for a second year (although the bulbs lasted for more than 6 years, still dormant). The yellow form never skips, flowers for months, multiplies, sets seed happily etc. If only I could find one of the orange ones that would do the same. LOL Probably not much help to you given your extreme cold, but might be useful feedback for some other people who are thinking of trying them. Cheers. Paul Tyerman Canberra, Australia - USDA Zone Equivalent approx. 8/9 Growing an eclectic collection of plants from all over the world including Aroids, Crocus, Cyclamen, Erythroniums, Fritillarias, Galanthus, Irises, Trilliums (to name but a few) and just about anything else that doesn't move!!