... are these fairly easy to grow from seed?

I don't know, I purchased mine as a small plant. I can say it has been fairly slow to bulk up - my little 2" pot from 2008 is still fairly small, perhaps 8" in diameter, and this spring will be the first I will be comfortable dividing it. There is good information on sowing these at horizonherbs.com (sorry, I don't know how to make this a link). I think my weather may be a bit iffy for it, though, perhaps too wet and warm. You may have better luck, being a bit colder than me.

Thank you. I'll check out that site. I lived in Renton for a few years and loved so many of the beautiful plants up your way. I think I would like to have this plant if I can find the right place to plant it.

I looked further at that site and it's very informative.