I have found Tecophilaea cyanocrocus to survive for many years in plunged pots in unheated cold frames, with an added microfoam blanket when outside temperature was below 20 F (minus 6 C). I am now growing it in a raised bed under a polycarb roof, but with no side enclosure. My plants are almost ready to flower, having gone through about 10 days of temperatures several degrees below freezing in January, when the leaves had begun to emerge. Plants that I grew in a solarium kept above freezing became elongated and failed to bloom. I do not recommend that Jim Waddick, in the Midwest, plant it in the open garden, despite his friend's success over three years. Are those plants perhaps sheltered by the eaves of the house? The corms are very expensive, though the plant can be grown from seed to flowering in 3 or 4 years. My understanding of this plant in nature is that it emerges following snowmelt, flowers, and then is dormant during a dry summer. Its cycle reminds me of deciduous Lewisia species and in fact I grow them together, as they are a pretty combination. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA At 12:37 PM 2/26/2013, you wrote: >Dear Friends, > Recently a friend called to tell me (rub it in) that his > Tecophilea were just emerging from winter dormancy. He lives just > outside of Wichita KS however and this seems very unlikely. His > bulbs are growing near a concrete side walk ( a heat sink) and have > survived through 3 winters. > > I just never thought Tecophilea might survive this far > north. Just how hardy are they? How cold have they survived > outdoors for any members? > > Do I dare try them here in Zone 5/6 in the ground?