Fremontodendron Species, California Flannel Bush, California Fremontia, Northern Fremontia

Fremontodendroncalifornicum

Family
Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Genus
Fremontodendron (free-mon-toh-DEN-dron)
Species
californicum (kal-ih-FOR-nik-um)
Synonym
Fremontia californica
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Evergreen
Succulent
Height
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Spacing
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Winter
Other Details
Category
Shrubs
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From softwood cuttings
Seed Collecting
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Arroyo Grande, California(2 reports)

Big Sur, California

Bootjack, California

Carpinteria, California

Crockett, California

Elk Grove, California

Livermore, California

MIRAMONTE, California

Manhattan Beach, California

Mariposa, California(2 reports)

Pleasanton, California

San Francisco, California

San Mateo, California

Vacaville, California

Walnut Creek, California

Winchester, California

Woodland Hills, California

Ashland, Oregon

Seattle, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

12
positives
2
neutrals
2
negatives
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L
San Francisco, CA | April 2015 | positive

This plant is a tree in San Francisco, CA. I don't know why you guy stated it's a vine in the UK. It roots easily; you need semi hard w...Read More

B
B
| July 2013 | positive

I staggered upon one of these a good few years ago in a garden centre and not seen one since. i bought it never seeing one before and it...Read More

S
(Zone 9a) | July 2012 | positive

In the UK there are rarely many plants to be negative about, and this is certainly one to be positive about. Grown in the local botanic g...Read More

G
| May 2012 | positive

I just wanted to share this with you.... I bought a California Glory circa 11 years ago when it was about 2ft high. I live near London ...Read More

P
Ashland, OR | October 2010 | positive

I am growing our second Fremontodendron 'California Glory' (first one lived for many years but then died after my husband reduced it & I ...Read More

O
Livermore, CA | March 2010 | positive

The city park department planted fremontodendrons along an arroyo in my neighborhood in unimproved soil The plants get only the natural ...Read More

T
| May 2009 | positive

I found one at last! I am going to grow it in a large pot and train it on a lattice. So far so good, it gets really hot here in Vacav...Read More

A
Seattle, WA | May 2009 | positive

Planted a tiny 3 leaf seedling 2 years ago which is now a 6 ft shrub. It is in the hottest place in the yard, in a fast draining raised b...Read More

D
Cave Creek, AZ | September 2005 | positive

I grew this plant in my garden in Malahide Co. Dublin, in Ireland. I even moved it from one house to the other without problems. Now l...Read More

D
(Zone 7a) | February 2005 | negative

I've tried softwood cutting after softwood cutting and have had absolutely no success. I've searched the internet on details for propaga...Read More

B
| June 2004 | positive

Came across Flannel Bush at nursery. Never heard of it before. Was a scrawny 5ft pole with some branches for $10 - now 4th summer in ga...Read More


Update May 2005

Flannel Bush has died for unknown reasons - winter wasn't colder or wetter than usual. Very disappointed.

C
San Mateo, CA | June 2004 | positive

I love this plant! Fast growing, showy, lovely foliage and I don't give it a drop of water in San Mateo, CA (Sunset zone 17). Easy to sh...Read More

W
W
| March 2004 | neutral

i have seen this growing as a tree in London, England. Will try and post picture.
Nice tree but be very careful pruning and wear p...Read More

B
Walnut Creek, CA | November 2003 | neutral

Grows rapidly with good drainage, but is short-lived if watered in summer. Beautful bloom, interesting 'felted' foliage. Great plant in t...Read More

L
| October 2002 | positive

Yes the hairs are an irritant but the plant grows so quickly, is easy to shape, flowers for a long period and doesn't need much water. I...Read More

S
S
(Zone 9a) | May 2002 | negative

Although this is a lovely plant and flowers for a long time, the hairs on the stems and leaves are a skin irritant - after pruning this o...Read More

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