tigridia pavonia

I live in zone 21 in San Diego and wonder if the lovely Mexican shellflowers can be grown here. I've lived here 3 years and have never seen one and the ones I brought with me from Portland died, so am not sure. Has anyone had success growing them in southern California? Thanks, Nancita

You should be able to grow tigridias in your area of Southern California. I have read where some gardeners have had luck with them in even colder climes than my Zone 6 of NE TN. You can check out an article I wrote back in March about tigridias: Add a splash of color to your garden with tigridias. (Link is: www.examiner.com/examiner/x-2461-Nashvil...arden-with-tigridias There are also additional links in the article itself and at the end of the article.) Tigridias do like the sun and the heat. I have mine planted with daylilies and coneflowers, which receive the hot sun all day. I'm not sure what your winters are like; however, if you think they may be too cold, you can lift the bulbs and store them at the end of the season.

Hope this helps.
Dena