I know it is difficult to make recommendations via a forum as there are so many variables that only the poster (me) are aware of. But if you will bear with me I would still like to try. I will very likely need a replacement for a tree standard hibiscus which after a good life is probably dead. (It can be seen at the back corner where the wood panel fence meets the chain link). Given the tight quarters I need it to be slow growing with a height after say 10 years to be 7 or 8 feet tops. I think for visual interest a cascading dissectum, probably a red, but not necessarily. The location does not get much direct prolonged sunlight. I do want it to be winter hardy as I am a bit tired of protecting these trees. Thanks for your expertise.
Red filigree holds it's color extremely well in shade. It is cold hardy. Tamukeyama is bullet proof and easy to keep within bounds. Beni otake is a Willow leaf that is slow growing and I think would look good too. Orangeola or Pendula Julian would work as multi color choices.
Can't comment on the cold hardiness issue, but I would suggest you try a solitaire graft, that is the dissectum grafted near the height you already want it. Then it will cascade down, and you'll get early interest from it, instead of having to wait years. Of course they do look like something out of Dr Suess for the first couple of years!
Learnt something today ;-) "Theodor Seuss Geisel (/ˈsuːs ˈɡaɪzəl/ ( listen);[1] March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)[2] was an American author, political cartoonist, poet, animator, book publisher, and artist, best known for authoring more than 60 children's books under the pen name Doctor Seuss (abbreviated Dr. Seuss) (/suːs/)" ... And buying one which is grafted high (3 feet) is a very good suggestion.
Well it's off topic, but you should make sure you see "How the Grinch stole Christmas" with Boris Karloff. It's a treat, as is much of the Seussian universe. Much of it has entered into the vernacular of American popular idiom. Check it out, you're in for a treat! Green eggs and ham, no less.
