I grew some Pillansia from seed from Silverhill too. They were overwintered in a cold glasshouse last winter, and exposed to about -5C. About half of the 6-9month old seedlings tolerated this, the others died. I think this spp requires extremely well drained soils, in its habitat soils look like coarse sand. I grew them in a 50:50 mix of grit and a proprietory peat based compost. Had I grown them in pure sand I think more would have survived. The survivors were put outside in spring and then under glass lights during an extended period of heavy summer rain (for weeks and weeks). To be honest they did not show any signs of damage from this; it was a "just in case" action. Unfortunately I sort of forgot about them and by September they had browned off as a result of drought. I transplanted them to a very free draining compost (grit/sand 80%: peat compost 20%) in September. The roots had shrivelled but the corms looked good, although only about 5 mm across. They are now sitting in a cold frame, but have not resprouted yet. I think they may yet do so but perhaps the drought stress has thrown them into some form of extended dormancy? It may just be 5-10C (the average temp in the frames) is just too low for them to initiate veg growth at present? I think the uncultivatable suggestions in Bryans book are based on heresay. My experience thus far suggests that like Tritoniopsis the critical cultivation factor is probably extremely well drained, highly aerated compost. Coarse sand only or Seramis are probably the way forward. Getting them to flower may be another issue, they seem to be an obligate fire responder. Hope this is useful James -- Dr James Hitchmough Professor of Horticultural Ecology Department of Landscape University of Sheffield S10 2TN UK