It can be the case that most of a batch goes to that horrid white mush - and some survive. For me, they really like very good drainage, quite gravelly, in fact. And being planted not more than 2" deep. (Protect from hungry beasts if necessary.) I grow several of mine in an old enamel kitchen sink that's about 6" deep max, and has that generous drain hole, too. They share the space with alpine strawberries, which have an excellent root system and which soak up any excess summer moisture. They can be left for three years or so before it becomes necessary to refresh the mix - and thin down the competition. A dressing of bonemeal in spring is helpful. They prefer morning sun and dappled light - more like A. nemorosa than the big florist anemones. Unless you have an unusually dry spring - whatever rain you receive is generally enough. The tubers increase in size and don't have offsets. If you want more plants then you have to keep the surface aound them clear because they increase through seeds. Stay alert for seedlings when re-potting. One thing that can lead to mushy bits - planting late in the season and keeping them too moist. The longer they've been out of the ground the more vulnerable they appear to be. Might be like lilies - plant as soon after lifting as possible. If they've had an overnight soaking - plant into a barely damp mix and let them settle with whatever autumn rain you get. They naturalize under trees so there would be damp, not wet, leaf litter and the drainage given by the tree roots. A similar environment for you pot/s could help. They're not 'early risers' in the spring so they possibly spend a lot of their over winter growing time developing their root system before popping up, leaves before flowers. If you get that uneasy gardener feeling that 'something is not right belong the surface' you're probably right. Gently unearth a tuber or two and check. Planting individually into 2" pots could give you useful backup if a mass planting should fail.

I *heart* Independence Day-- happy one to you all! And what Pres Adam's once said... a looong time ago on this very day... "[America] is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own. She will recommend the general cause by the countenance of her voice, and the benignant sympathy of her own example." Rocky Mtn Ryan PS-- Frank quit the self-restraint kick-- buy your bulbs, mans! Its up to us hippi addicts to bring this country out of recession. ;oD

Good news; salpal. I have often wondered about WFF as I get their catalogue but have never ordered from them. They were always very well-presented but rather expensive, I am not at all saying that they are not worth it; but just never had reason to order from them. Lucky you, though! You got a really nice gift certificate! Thanks for the post.

Here's the Purple Rain bulb as an example. That's a 16 oz jar of salsa!! I realized this morning that I need to assemble a calibrated set of bulb comparators: marble, golf ball, tennis ball, baseball, and softball!! :-) K