As I'm sure we all know, but I'm just stating it to make this post clearer: weather is an exact science from moment to moment - it is or isn't raining, it is or isn't hot, etc. Climate on the other hand, is an attempt to define a general truth about weather over time - which is why the plant hardiness zone maps are periodically revised. But it is basically impossible to define climate, because weather can be "freakish." I'm of the opinion that the Central Florida disparities arise from the Tampa area because of Tampa Bay. The 2006 arborday.org zone map (link below to download a version that can be enlarged) shows a Zone 10 area extending inland from Tampa Bay. The USDA cleverly, if you will allow me to say so, has avoided a detailed zone map of Florida. My apologies, but since GardenWeb only allows us one link per post, that reference is here: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/Maps.aspx Florida isn't available in the States dropdown. I think that the arborday.org map is more accurate in terms of the influence of Tampa Bay - more accurate, not exact, not most correct, nor anything like that. But IF the Zone 10 area exists, then one can easily see how confusion arises when including the Tampa area in Central Florida discussions. I have to laugh about this because the Tampa area is "Central Florida!" Geographically speaking Tampa is in Central Florida. But in terms of climate zone, maybe it isn't. Accurate statements that apply to plants in two different zones cannot be made*. This is why I believe that even though the Tampa area is IN Central Florida, it isn't Central Florida for the purposes of plant discussions. I feel like a Lewis Carroll character talking to Alice, but hopefully I'm being clearer than that. *It is difficult enough to make accurate statements about plants in the same zone. Here is a link that might be useful: The 2006 arborday.org zone map download

The "tri-color" (not the scientific name, thought I saw Rose-Marg????? something once) foliage is pretty darned interesting. Folks plant Bradford Pears all the time for the 13-20 days worth of flowers they have. Tri-Color is GREAT for a few months out of the year if you like that type of thing, and I do. Next county over someone in the parks department likes them. I've seen two. Later in the season when the pink whitens out one of them crisps up a little. Its not the most attractive thing. The other just faded to the white edge. My tiny 1 foot grafted one stayed strong all year, the pink did fade but all 30 or so of its leaves stayed attractive, weird. Its on the corner of the dampish part of the yard. I gave it about 1/2 gallon of water every 4 days or so w/o rain. Gets sun probably 10am to 4pm or 5pm over the summer.

Patrick, I try to be serious when I post information. I would hope it's correct. I feel bad when I give someone bad info. It ends up to be mind-boggling to me. I know there is so much confusion in naming them, as I have bought a few that were sold as one thing and then I ended up having, sometimes, two or more of the same one. I then pot them up together. Then down the road, I discover that they are not the same. When that happens I just leave them alone, take out the name tag, and note it in my database what it was sold as.

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I finished - sealer drying now and hope to pack it tomorrow. Lordy, this one gave me trouble, and I'm soooooooo happy to get-er-done. Wish I had the nerve to bow out and keep it, cuz I'll probably NEVER repeat it for myself. Congrats, LISA - what a joyous occasion to celebrate. Hope you feel better soon.