>>>>>Indeed, and if we are to breed some sturdier plants for cold climates, >>>>>we need other strains to bring into the breeding. In fact, until Alberto mentioned it, I had no idea that anyone was intentionally increasing 'Lucifer' as a seed strain. Hi Jim, There's already quite a few masoniorum x paniculata (pleated leaved) hybrids about, these are by far the hardiest strains; generally speaking anything listed that doesn't have a specific epithet in the name will likely be one of these hybrids. e.g. Crocosmia 'Lucifer' or Crocosmia 'Mistral' etc. There has been some work done in breeding hardy Crocosmia in South Korea in recent years. If I ever hear anything I'll let the list know. In the UK Mark Wash of Trecanna Nursery is currently using the high altitude Crocosmia pearsei and also Crocosmia mathewsiana in a breeding program the results will be very interesting indeed, but of course it may take several years to find out if something can be considered hardier or not. Best Wishes, Dave Heamoor, Penzance, Cornwall.UK.