I tried growing both varieties. The first time I received 2 to 3 year old trees on the rootstock with the interstem for earlier fruiting. They did fruit, but canker got both before ripening. They made about 90 days before dying. The second try I received younger trees without the interstem. They made about 6 months before dying of canker. I am stubborn, so tried one last time and had this set growing on the southwest part of town. They were younger trees and made about 18 months before dying of canker. They will fruit here if you are in a part of town without disease pressure. When I lived in the Bear Creek (northwest) area, I did not have to spray for bugs or disease....no fungus, bacteria, or PC. The area I now live in Kingwood (northeast) is high in disease and bugs. I doubt that you could keep them alive in the Houston area. If anyplace here has a chance, It would be Bear Creek or west side. Believe it or not, I still have 2 cherry trees. A royal ranier and a lapins. My lapins is @6 to 7 years old and flowered and fruited for the first time this year. It only produced a few blooms and fruit, so I did not net it for birds. The birds ate the few that it made. The lapins is on GM61 and doesn't seem to be as susceptable to canker. Waiting to see what happens next year.

Please accept my apology for the late notice. Between the recent weather issues and my parent company (I work for AIG Retirement.) things have been hectic. In addition, I did not schedule (I did try.) a spring swap. Between being unable to find a suitable date before it became too hot and being extremely busy at work I could not make the swap happen. The Fort Bend County Plant Swap - Fall Edition is scheduled for October 18th from 9 AM to 1 PM (usually ends earlier). Due to the recent hurricane I want to encourage gardeners to come regardless of their ability to bring plants. Even if you do not have plants come anyway bring your favorite dish and enjoy a pot luck luncheon with gardening friends. For those of you with new sun gardens I want to encourage you to bring those shade plants to trade and share. For those along the coast please consider coming. Many of us further inland want to see you. I will have a few plants to share and I have several sets of gardening hand tools and BBQ sets and hand made bird houses and feeders to give away as door prizes. As a reminder the Fort Bend Plant Swap is a free event open to all gardeners. All plants are swapped or traded. NO money changes hands. The pot luck luncheon is a great way to join in especially if you have not plants. Bring your favorite dish. My wife and I will be bringing vegetarian chili. If you have never been to a plant swap before I encourage you to come. They are a great way to learn about plants that do well in this area. The plant swap is located in Community Park in Missouri City. The location is convenient for all of Houston and is especially convenient for Brazoria County and points south and west of Houston. Details including directions can be found on our website. Please contact me if you have any questions. Here is a link that might be useful: Fort Bend County Plant Swap

I live in way way upstate NY. First I'm assuming that you do not want to go through the trouble of digging them up and freezing them for 6 weeks. That would be the best way to have any Lily you want. They need to be covered when frozen. But thats not what you want right? Any hardy winter bulb, INCLUDING LILIES needs to be frozen to grow well. Some can handle the high 28-32 temps as enough cold. Usually in area like yours it doesn't stay cold long enough. One would think none will do well there if not frozen in ground for 6 weeks. But there is the good news that Lilies are extremely forgiving bulbs. They can take a lot of abuse and still grow fine. Winter hardy bulbs are not harmed by the cold. Either 28 or minus 60. I've left Lily bulbs on top of the gound under the snow and they grow fine. The ONLY reason hardy bulbs like Lily, tulip, daffs are planted 6 inches deep is to protect them from the HEAT not the cold. I suspect you need to plant them deeper than you are. 5 inches is perfect here. In texas I'd guess 6 inches deep plus 2-3 inches of mulch. They are getting too hot. Also, since they are getting too hot don't over water them. they will get boiled to death. I recommend you try the same varieties planted deeper with 2-3 inches of Cedar mulch. Let the rain water them not you. They can handle dry periods. I NEVER water my flower gardens. Suggestions that should work well in TX....NEGRE--a very dark red upright bloom.......NIPPON- 9-10 inch bloom of white,pink yellow blush with a dark red edge. Only availible at "dutch gardens" I think.....Tom Pouce- side facing, 6", pink & yellowish blend.....REGALE- a purple longeflorum easter lily. Have a good day

I agree, Loved Loved the facility and location. I want to thank Gretchen for setting it all up. There will be plenty of room for everyone at the Spring Swap. We had discussion on future Garden Hops and "consultation parties" and how beneficial they are to newbies and old pros alike. It helps all of us to see and walk around someone else's yard to get ideas or learn how to get started. Its never a waste to spend a few hours with a bunch of crazy plant people. The food was really good too. Next time we will..... umm.. I don't know what could make it any better! But if you think of something be sure and let us know!!