Carpenteria californica ( Tree Anemone)
A long flowering shrub with attractive flowers is always an attraction and Carpenteria californica is one to look for. This is a brilliant, but rare plant, Carpenteria californica is an upright shrub to 3m.
With interesting peeling bark as well as the large white flowers with bright yellow stamens that appear in clusters . They do look a little like anemone flowers, hence the name ‘Tree Anemone’ or ‘Shrub Anemone’.
Evergreen and with large elongated glossy foliage which is attractive year round, it is the flowers that are the main attraction.
Flowering over 2 months in spring to summer, the flowers are large 5 – 6 cm across, the clean white blooms look great in a lightly shaded area as well as in full sun.
Care
A native of California, Carpenteria californica is reasonably drought tolerant it requires good drainage, keep well mulched for best results.
Growing well in full sun, this is a plant that will also grow in light afternoon shade. In warmer climates we suggest afternoon shade for best results.
Plants can be lightly pruned or pinched back after flowering to tidy up, this also help create a more compact and bushy growth habit. As plant get older, heavier pruning can help give them a new lease of life. Prune back by 1/3 after flowering.
