Your Scheff looks grossly overwatered to me.

Yes, it is Paulownia tomentosa, a non-native invasive weed tree. Here is a link that might be useful: North Carolina invasive plants

I use fingernail clippers to clip the seeds to expose the white meat inside, but just a bit, then I soak them overnight in water. I don't know if it's required, but it doesn't hurt. I do get volunteers around my garden, so they're not too tough from seed. Let us know which types of Caesalpinia pulcherrima you try and how they work out. Glad you like my Echium too. I'm still so suprised it has done so well here for so long. It self sows around my garden and I love it. It gets a bit tired looking mid summer but then perks up in autumn and does great. I'll check out some of Annie's other Echiums too. Great stuff! I get her catalog/emails and grow a lot of plants from her. Fun! Happy gardening all! Grant, checking each day for any signs of flower buds on the pink form of Caesalpinia pulcherrima, LOL.

The last one is only a improvement if you consider a white base superiour to the mauve one that cosmic shows.. otherwise its pretty similiar. I think it contrasts more with the white base , but it wouldnt differ enough to do anything with other then breed with it. Its pretty subtle but its a triple colour edge with the dark purple, light purple and fine gold edge. I understand about the pinks, but a friend of mine raved about the power of leslee renee to start to take blue eyes, thats my plan , if I can get a crop based out of my heaviest pie crusting edges with it, If I get one showing that same familiar eye zone, with a heavier pie crusting, I will then go back into my blue eyed lines. Ive tried it already it hasnt done what I wanted yet, but I will continue trying. (though the seedling I got, is still wonderful from that try, it just isnt the heavy blue eye with a pink wash background Im looking for, I have no doubt people will be years ahead of me before I get one that I want, but thats ok, Im also breeding for cold zones, or colder zones I should say) Silverkelt