>>>>I acquired this some years ago and though I had lost it, but it >>>>reappeared in another neglected pot last autumn, and now I have 2 if the >>>>as yet unflowered one is the same. It is a very pale lilac with deep >>>>purple markings. Is this ssp. less hardy than the red? Hi Brian, Lots of experience with Freesia laxa here. It's not as hardy as laxa, and barely survives in a cold greenhouse in the UK; but it would probably be best described as very weak in terms of the rest. I've always thought that azurea in the UK may be virused. Best Wishes, Dave (Penzance, UK)