Bev, So sorry you lost your babies! But yes when they are little they need LOTS OF CARE. Keep them MOIST during that time. I even lost a few in one bed where the soil sort of crisped up too quickly. Their tiny roots couldn't take it. I'm sure in the Alps the seedlings are getting constant snow melt moisture and they are growing in cool crevices. Hard to emulate those conditions in the garden.
Kate, 'Silverine' is a great parent. It is a parent of several of my early introductions. It's only drawback is that it;s a bit of a slow grower.
Kevin
