I grow a few from seed every year, since my plants produce lots. They take about 3 years to bloom, in my experience, so I'd recommend growing them in pots for the first couple of years with good light and occasional feeding. After the vines die down (they may not make it a whole season the first year - the vegetative growth seems to last longer each year as they get older, much like that of Arisaemas), I keep the pots on the dry side and above freezing. The following spring I moisten the soil and wait for new growth to start. My mature plants are grown in large clay pots which are set out around the bases of small trees, shrubs, etc. and watered in spring. They then use these for support as they grow (my favorite combo has them growing through a Franklinia and blooming at about the same time). Once the vines bloom, fruit, and die back, I cut them off and move the pots into the garage, where they spend the winter. I've built up enough stock to try leaving a few in the ground this year; they're marginally hardy here, but I wouldn't suggest doing that in zone 4. Hope this helps!

"Watering really annoys praying mantises." (if someone could give me the tip on how to italicize, I would appreciate it) They apparently do not like to be relocated on newly purchased shrubs either. We were driving home last summer with 6 large spirea in the back of the car. After about 10 min, a huge praying mantis crawled out from behind the sun visor. He was right on the inside of the windshield staring at my husband. Scared the crap out of him! OK, he freaked me out too! Screeching halt!!! We got him safely out of the car. Phew! About 5 minutes later, a second one climbed out from the exact spot! We took the long way home so we wouldn't have to go on the highway in the case of any need to lock up the brakes! I scanned the car the entire way home hoping there weren't any more, and half expecting to see one perched on my son's head! They are beautiful in the garden, but I have to say they were a little scary in an alien sort of way when out of their element!

I have a Franklinia which grows, blooms, and sets seed every year in Newport News; however, I have never successfully germinated them, despite employing a variety of stratification techniques. I read recently that single specimens may not be self-fertile, so that may be the problem. I also grow Gordonia, but not from seed. I have wanted to try Pinkneya, but I have a shortage of space, and have never heard of its being grown here, even by experienced gardening friends. I do have very large specimens of Arbutus unedo and Michelia figo (aka Magnolia fuscata) which seem perfectly content, so it probably would be growable, perhaps with minimal protection. BTW, seed from these two species germinated with no problem this year. Here is a link that might be useful: my garden blog

I'm confused. Is this one of those pop-quiz threads where the OP is trying to see how smart we are, or does the OP not know the ID on the tree either and wants to ID it with help from the group? Because I thought this was another "name that tree" contest thread, and if I am right, I would like Johnny to tell me that I have indeed won the year's supply of Rice-A-Roni, The San Francisco Treat.