Thursday, April 16, 2009
If you regularly use Highway 192 between Mountain Drive and Stanwood Drive, you will have noticed the bright yellow flowers of flannel bush over the last couple of weeks. There are many of them planted at the site of the old Shefield reservoir. Named for General Fremont, Fremontodendron californicum is one of the showiest native shrubs in bloom. It has a cousin that grows farther south in Mexico, aptly named southern flannel bush, F. mexicanum. F. californicum has 1- to 1½-inch flowers that all open more or less together for a short bloom time and rounded to slightly lobed dark green leaves. F. mexicanum has larger flowers, to 2½ inches, that are tinged with orange. Its leaves are definitely lobed. Flannel bush is usually quite large in size, with shrubs looming to 20 feet tall and as much as 40 feet across. Growers have hybridized the two species to produce more prolifically blooming cultivars with the best traits of each. 'California Glory' has larger flowers, up to 3 inches across, which are a deep yellow backed by a reddish tone. Look also for improved varieties such as 'Pacific Sunset' and 'San Gabriel' that prolong the bloom time or have more interesting foliage. Several of the cultivars have tamed that tendency to gigantism of the shrub itself. 'Ken Taylor' grows only 4 to 6 feet by 12 feet wide and 'Dara's Gold' is much more compact at just 3 to 4 feet in height by 6 to 8 feet wide. It is perfect for containers.
All flannel bushes need excellent drainage and are very drought tolerant. If they are irrigated in summer, they become extremely susceptible to root fungus. Their native habitats are rocky hillsides or deep sandy soils, so replicating that type of drainage is primary. They also do best in full sun, but can tolerate a little bit of shade. Young plants grow quickly and, since their root systems are quite shallow, may need to be staked in windy areas to prevent them blowing over until they are better established. Do beware of the irritating hairs that cover the leaves, stems, and seed pods. Wear protective clothing and eye wear when planting or pruning.
Virginia Hayes, curator of Ganna Walska Lotusland, will answer your gardening questions. Address them to Gardens, The Independent, 122 W. Figueroa St., S.B., CA 93101. Send email to vahayes@lotusland.org.