Indeed, rocambole is tough.

And I find that most porcelains are even tougher, in that they often don't even need to be planted into the soil, just laid on top right before snowfall, good news for a newly burnt field (if one clears fields that way), that one doesn't have time to plow prior to the ground freezing. In the spring when the snow melts, they will already have roots growing into the ground. No need for mulch even; the roots will hold the plants up fine. The bulb will often become lop-sided, however they are still good quality, perfect for eating and replanting.

Rocamboles may be tough in cold but don't like the Carolina heat. Here the elephant will survive any thing I have seen a clove cut in half laying on top of the ground still producing nice leaves . It all depends on where you live.