For people with HUGE gardens that they don’t want to water but still require a floral show there is this west coast native Flannel Bush to occupy beautiful space. Fur covered maple shaped leaves are deep green on top with a reverse of tawny brown. Avoid this fur it causes dermatitis and you don’t need that. Rapid growing evergreen shrub for full sun and poor soils and absolutely NO summer water. That can lead to root molds and death and at the very least rank growth that does not harden for winter cold. Instead neglect and stand back as this 15′ x 15′ monster of the Chaparrel produces a two month parade of 4″ wide cupped gold flowers. A large specimen in full bloom causes the heart to stop. Nice espalier too. Moderate deer resistance. Neglect is the flannel bush’s friend.
Genus: Fremontodendron
Fremontodendron x ‘California Glory’
Exotic looking shrub native to California that finds a happy home in the PNW- provided you are committed to almost total neglect. Poor, well drained soil with NO SUPPLEMENTAL water ever. Plant it. Water it. Leave it alone. Known and grown for its HUGE golden yellow flowers. The form a rounded bowl and are wonderful for the 4-6 weeks they occur in May-June. If you apply summer water you could easily kill this plant- its a victim of water molds that thrive with water + heat. Cold and wet- not such a problem. And if it survives summer water then it will grow fast and rank and not be hardy to frost at all. Grow it lean and mean- no love, no favors. Flannel Bush is evergreen and the whole plant is covered in a silica based fur. Avoid this. The hybrids get enormous in the PNW. Allow for this. 16′ x16′ is not unheard of in 6 years. Moderate deer resistance.