If you live anywhere from the mid-Atlantic states south and west to Texas, oxblood lilies, Rhodophiala bifida, are an excellent way to add vivid pops of color to the garden at a time when it is often looking tired and bedraggled. Related to the amaryllis, these natives of Argentina and Uruguay were introduced to gardens here when German immigrants in South America sent bulbs to compatriots who had immigrated to Texas. They are happiest in dappled shade, but handle heat and cold, drought and rain with aplomb. Louis the Plant Geek has an encyclopedic guide to their care and culture on his blog at: http://www.louistheplantgeek.com/a-gardening...