Hi Sue,
I have Bessya seedlings that have survived quite happily into their third season now....they are, of course, very slow but look remarkably healthy (the kiss of death) and are being grown in an open frame (i.e. open at the side all year) and are only watered when I remember. No flowers yet...I would anticipate two or three more seasons in our cold, damp summers...they would probably appreciate much warmer and lighter conditions than I can supply here in 'arctic' East Lancashire. Good luck, they are certainly worth any amount of effort!