Fremontodendron 'San Gabriel'

San Gabriel flannel bush is a large evergreen shrub that quickly grows 10 to 18 feet tall and wide. Large maple-like leaves are accented by abundant cupped yellow flowers in spring, a stunning display especially when combined with a deep blue Ceanothus. Once the plant is established do not give it any summer water. Provide good drainage. They will take clay soil on a slope. Completely drought resistant. Protect from deer when young, and avoid planting in an area where the foliage will be brushed against. Cultivars such as this are horticultural selections and hybrids, not part of the native ecology but work beautifully in the garden. Attracts beneficial insects, bees, butterfly & other insect nectar gatherers. A hybrid of Fremontodendron Californicum and Fremontodendron Mexicanum

Wonderfully fuzzy leaves and deeply saturated golden yellow flowers -- to 5" across on this variety -- in mid to late spring. HEAT, SUN, DROUGHT. It thrives on them, demands them, won't do well without them. This clone, a cross between F. californicum and F. mexicanum reaches to 12-18 ft tall and wide so allow lots of space. Avoid watering after the first summer. Blooms on previous year's wood. Frost hardy to 5F, mid USDA zone 7.

2-3'' bright yellow flowers, prune to shape. Likes poor dry soils, lots of sun.