Tigridia pavonia is commonly called 'Mexican Shell Flower' and is one of thirty some odd species native to either Central or South America. We planted it this year in the curator's garden behind Ed's house. The corms were planted in May and for the last month and a half there have been flowers to enjoy. An individual flower doesn't last long, but each plant produces many flower buds. We use to assume that this plant wouldn't be hardy in the Pacific Northwest, but to our delight it seems to do quite well here, provided the soil is free draining.