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

We've had an exceptionally wet winter so it's possible it succumbed but I doubt it. Members of the mallow family like it hot and sometimes they take a little longer to start growing. Wait it out. Fortunately, they are easily propagated from cuttings in spring so if you lost it, ask around and someone near you will probably help you by rooting a stem cutting once growth starts. RJ

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

Beth, I had to look up 'fringed rose mallow' and see it's the same as hibiscus schitzopetalus. I had only heard it called Japanese lanterns, but had to be sure it was the same. Anyway, I just take end cuttings 10-12 inches long, strip off most of the leaves, put in potting soil and keep damp. I don't use rooting hormone and this is just my way, but maybe someone has a better system. I have also just stuck a piece in the ground and it rooted. Ginny