Very pretty. I am tempted to try illicium though it isn't really hardy here. I know a few get away with it.

I am in 6b and have grown Illicium floridanum for about 4 years. Each Spring it comes out looking battered and a bit scorched, but after a grooming session with the Felcos, it bounces back. The foliage is nice and the flowers are maroon and interesting, eventually turning to green starfish shaped seedheads. Nice foliage for along a path where you may brush against it. Virtually unheard of around here - I have only ever seen one in a landscape locally. Rx

I would be very grateful if someone could send me some sedds of "Illicium floridanum red and the white too" Thank you in advance phil

pH of 7.4 is just a little above neutral, so not bad for many plant species. BTW, if compost from an area having more or less neutral pH soil is tested for its pH, it will generally be right around the same range as the area's soil. Some folks think compost is always highly acidic. In fact, it rarely is, and then only if strongly acidic feedstocks were used in its prep. +oM