Fremontodendron californicum x mexicanum 'Pacific Sunset'
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FLANNEL BUSH
syn. Fremontia
Family: Sterculiaceae
Pronounced: free-mon-toh-DEN-dron kal-ih-FOR-nik-um meks-sih-KAY-num
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Evergreen shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-24.
USDA zones: 9-10.
Heat zones: 10-9.
Mature size:
Height: 12-15 feet (3.5-4.5 m).
Width: 12-15 feet (3.5-4.5 m).
Flowering period:
Initial flowering peak in spring with sporadic blooming later.
Flowering attributes:
Saucer-shaped, butterscotch yellow, 2-3 inch flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Evergreen, dark green leaves with 3 to 5 lobes.
Growth habit:
Upright.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Will take poor to some-what fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
None.
Propagation Methods:
Greenwood cuttings in early summer. | Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Pruning Methods:
Prune shoots that grow too long. Remove lower branches for a small tree appearance.
Rainy Side Notes
The flannel bush was named after John Fremont, an explorer and surveyor for the United States Army. A cross between californicum and mexicanum, it was bred at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in California.
This broadleaf evergreen is a wonderful addition for any drought garden. Since they are desert plants, Fremontodendrons doesn't want or need extra water during our summer droughts once it's established; to water it could be to its detriment. It grows well in sandy or rocky soil and coastal conditions. Whenever I see this shrub, I think about my friend Wanda Fleischman who grew it in her garden where I saw it for the first time. Wanda's plants had to survive her no watering policy and her flannel bush thrived there. Wanda was taken from us a few years ago, but I like to think that she is digging happily in the soil of the grand old garden in the sky.
The large showy flowers adorn the shrub in spring and then bloom sporadically later in the growing season. Be careful handling the hairy seed capsules as they can irritate the skin.
Debbie Teashon
Photographed in George Soule's garden on Sauvie Island, Oregon.
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