Sorry you didn't find imperialis. I grew and showed dahlias for a dozen year and I never knew anyone who grew imperialis. As I recall, there was only one West Coast commercial growere who eer offered it. Imperialis is an exotic and since it is not a show worthy dahlia, it is not commonly grown. I saw where Plant Delights nursery has it for sale, so you might try them.

A terrible storm toppled two large stalks off my tree dahlia. I've been told you can start new plants with stem cuttings, but I have never tried (one of these giants is enough, lol). I can offer multiple stem pieces per trade. HIgh on my want list right now are rhiz. begonias with interesting leaf colors, Egret Flower(Habenaria radiata),or Worsleya procera, amaryllis, orchids, but will consider any heat loving shade plants. Tempt me. Lori Here is a link that might be useful: Dahlia Imperialis Double or Nothing

Hi mazer, What do you have for trade? I have Tree Dahhlia plant, brugmansia and Jacaranda I dont have but could get. Snow

Jroot, my Dahlia freezes down to the ground every winter so it has brand new growth every spring. The stalk on my plant is maybe 1 1/2" wide. I was in a courtyard garden in Sonoma yesterday and spotted a the biggest Dahlia imperialis I have ever see. Their was multiple woody stalks on this one which were about 4" wide. It was at least 10' - 11' tall, maybe taller. Sonoma does not get the regular hard frost that we do here, so it looks like this one does not get knocked back by the frost. It appears though that it was planted in a spot that has a constant flow of foot traffic right next to it and judging by all of the hacked off old stalks pointing towards the sidewalk, it probably has had tendency to lean over the sidewalk. My guess is that it does not get a chance to bloom. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me, but I need to go out there again next week so I am going to make a point of trying to visit this garden again and get some pics. If I am successful I will post those.