Hi everyone, I would just like to add a little more information. I have never tried growing japanese anenome from seed. I just decided to let these plants go to seed this year because I discovered last year that people on gardenweb are interested in growing almost any garden plant from seed. So, I unfortunately cannot give you any first hand information about how to get them to germinate or how long it takes them to bloom after sowing, or if the seedlings will look anything like the parent plant. I can tell you that the seeds are very tiny little "T" shaped things, and they are surrounded by cottony material that I cannot figure out how to separate from the seeds. I have 3 trades of each color, but I still might be able to get more if the wind hasn't blown them away. Lois in PA

The hardy sambucus racemosa 'sutherland gold' elder would work too, though depending on the size of your bed it might grow too large (or need annual trimming). Maybe coppertina ninebark? I find the elders like 'black lace' basically die back to near the ground here, but that makes them great smaller size shrubs for me. The falsecypress might do okay for you (depending on your location, they are borderline hardy in zone 3). I have one called sungold and one called curly tops. Maybe euonymus fortunei varieties like 'emerald gaiety' too. Japanese blood grass would be striking, but treat it like an annual in zone 3 (and it's a bonus if it survives winter.) One hardy grass that I like is bulbous oat grass. Then again blue fescue is great too. The bonus is that, if you are into Japanese-type ornaments for your garden, the stores really seem to have a lot of variety this year. Good luck with your project, It's fun to go with a theme and try to achieve it. Glen

Unfortunately not. While the solidly colored red leaved maples (like the Bloodgood, etc.) are quite heat and sun tolerant, the variegated or lighter colored/pink maples are not. They need a somewhat mild climate - not too hot and not too cold - and at least afternoon sun.

Sweet Betsy, I would be glad to trade with you. I have two epimediums (yellow, pink flowered) that do well in Alabama and other plants from your want list. Please email me through GW if interested. I couldn't find your email on your GW page hence I am writing to you here. Susan