I was just discussing some plants that are more cold hardy than will work down here in Virginia and that have some nice winter interest features too. They are the chinese lanterns and the money plant. As long as you put down a root barrier for the chinese lanterns they are very easy care. Both plants make fantastic dried arrangements also. I also lose the miniature snapdragons in the summer here because they aren't really heat tolerant. They may do very well for you in your zone. Good luck with your move.

* * * *

Here are some maples that are cold hardy and have attractive foliage.

Acer (Maple)

'ginnala 'Embers'
Description: A great xeriscape plant, this outstanding Amur Maple was selected for is bright red fruit and exceptional scarlet fall color.
Height: 15-20' Width: 15-25' Zone: 3

japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
Description: Rounded bushy habit. Magnificent crimson fall color.
Height: 8-10' Zone: 5 This may be pushing the zone to the limit but I wanted to add it because of the fall color.

palmatum 'Ojishi'
Description: One of several "lion's head" Japanese maples, this particular cultivar is named for the male lion in Japanese mythology. Namesake characteristics include small rich green leaves that are densely packed onto short stems and again short branches. This gives a very rounded look and when the burnt orange and gold colors arrive in the fall it is truly suggestive of a "lion's head". A superb cultivar for the small landscape garden or bonsai culture.
Zone: 5

palmatum 'Osakasuki'
Description: This upright growing, robust tree is a perfect patio plant. It is a very old cultivar, noted for its fall color. It grows rapidly in youth, then slows to mature gracefully. Its large, seven-lobed palmate leaves turn an unmatched, intense crimson in the fall. Forms a large, sturdy tree. Full sun preferred for best color.

Zone: 5

palmatum 'Oshio beni'
Description: Palmate, bronzy-red. New growth is vibrant orange-red. Medium size. Has outstanding shape.

Height: 15-20' Zone: 5

palmatum 'Red Emperor'
Description: 'Red Emporer' is similar in appearance to 'Bloodgood', however, it has the distinct advantage of not leafing out until about two weeks later in the spring. In areas of the country that are prone to a late frost, 'Red Emperor' has an exceptional advantage. The dark red leaf colors last throughout the season. In the fall, the leaves turn to a fiery crimson.

Zone: 5

palmatum 'Red Pygmy'
Description: Red-maroon linearilobum leaves (very narrow with almost string-like lobes) on a upright linear plant.

Height: 7-13' Zone: 5

palmatum 'Sherwood Flame'
Description: Vigorous small tree with strong red, deeply divided leaves.

Height: 8-10' Zone: 5

I hope some of these are of interest to you. I know zone 5 is probably pushing the mark just a bit but I couldn't find a japanese maple that was hardy above that zone.

* * * *

I love looking up plants. I'll try not to overdo though. I know I get to the point where I get overwhelmed when I start a project. There is just so much about gardening I don't know how anyone could possibly learn even most of it.

* * * *