You have some challenges wanting to grow your Pink Elephant from seed. It's a hybrid and won't come true from seed, meaning the seedlings may not look like the parent. Not all hybrids set viable seed, and with those that do may not set seed at all times of the year, seed pods with ripe mature seed may not form from all flowers, only flowers that form under certain weather conditions. Same is true of your Fireball, also a hybrid and both are patented plants. Here is a link that might be useful: photo of ripe pod here

olyagrove, tooooo funny about taking them to the swap and little interest was shown. I've done that myself. About five years ago, someone gave me a plant. Didn't know what it was; wasn't that interested, and it barely survived. I mean BARELY, because I completely neglected it. So this past winter, I finally take a picture and post it on the succulent website. Turns out, it is an orchid cactus (epiphyllum). After I saw the pictures of others in bloom, my attitude became "WOW! How cool!" Now I am loving this little stepchild, nurturing him along and hoping he will bloom. Take seedlings to the next swap and I bet they will be more popular now. :) Here is a link that might be useful: Images of blooming orchid cactus - if you are interested

Will, your hibiscus looks gorgeous and I so appreciate all the care and concern you've shown for it. It will be so pretty when it blooms! Now...a word or two about the Japanese Beetles. You may want to rethink using a trap as they supposedly attract more beetles to your garden. I attached a link with some good information about controlling the darned things that may be helpful. I've had good luck over the years using Neem oil products on the plants plus treating the lawn for grubs. Please post more pictures when your hibiscus is blooming. Rosie Here is a link that might be useful: Stop Japanese Beetles

No. I don't think so. I can't remember how early it is to break or not, but these are tough babies, and I used to have a problem with it reseeding all over the place.