No, but having just looked them up I wold like to - they sound lovely.

Nope - too much mucking about for me I'm afraid, they're listed as H2, so only hardy down to 1 degree C, unfortunately, but they prefer to be above 5 degC. If you've got somewhere warm to overwinter them in a pot, and can start them into growth under glass in late winter/early spring, then give 'em a go.

Heard of them, bought some 10 yrs ago and lost them in the first winter and it was a mild one. later found out they were H2. So hardy down to 1-5degrees C. if you have them in a large pot that you can keep frost free over winter then yep they are very pretty. common names include 'glory of the sun'.

snap bamboo :o)

Thanks everyone. I will reluctantly give them a miss. Pleased to see you are back, Eileen and taking things easy I hope!

Hey! Seaburngirl, you're back...thank goodness for that.Are you glad to be out of hospital? I hate being in there... and how are you feeling?

I started a big batch from seed this last year, forced them to grow through the summer, and will let them go dormant this next summer. They are easy to germinate using grow lights, but need starting in individual containers to avoid transplant problems. I am growing both L. purpurea and L. vittata. They are winter growers, and need a hot, dry summer. Fortunately, they seem to like the weather here and are doing really well.

Sounds like a candidate for a heated greenhouse in the uk. I shall look it up.