Carpenteria californica 'Elizabeth'

At 6' x 6', this selection is more compact than the California native species. Dark evergreen leaves form the backdrop for clusters of large, fragrant white flowers with bright yellow-gold stamens. To avoid leaf spot in wetter climes, it's best to plant it where there is good air circulation (instead of that dense, stultifying jungle in the back corner), good drainage, and plenty of sun. This shrub sparkles when in bloom, and the narrow dark leaves are handsome when it is not in bloom. In a word - glorious!Minimum temperature: 0°F

This is a lonely species taxonomically, being the only member of its genus, and geographically, being found in the wild at only seven sites in Fresno and Madera counties in California. It grows up to ten feet tall with flaky bark on older stems. The evergreen leaves are lance-shaped, glossy green above, blue-green to whitish and downy beneath. The large anemone-like flowers are pure white clustered with yellow stamens. It is closely related to Philadelphus, the mock oranges. Plant in dry soils.

First discovered by Colonel John Charles Fremont, this elegant evergreen was considered by the British to be one of the most splendid acquisitions from the Californian flora. Fragrant yellow-eyed, double white flowers that resemble Japanese Anemones embellish gorgeous flaking bark and thick, dark green linear leaves sporting a lustrous sheen on top and a whitish down on their undersides. Peerless as an understory for taller trees or as a backdrop for perennials, 'Elizabeth' can be found growing along hillsides in California's Fresno County and is happiest in cool, moist and well-drained abodes with protection from the hot afternoon sun, though once established it can handle some drought.

A selected wild form, more compact than the species with smaller, more abundant blossoms. Mature plants reach 8' high and 6' across.

Chosen for its compact (to 8' x 6') habit, profuse bloom of large white flowers ; deep-green leaves, every spring this lovely California native draws a continuous supply of "oooh ; aaahs"!. PSh/Med-Dry/GdDrain

One of the oldest cultivars of this beautiful, broadleaved evergreen shrub, native only to a few hillsides in Fresno County, California. We prefer it lifted every so slightly to a miniature tree of 6-8 ft to show off its gorgeous flaking bark. From mid-spring to early summer and sometimes later the stunning white flowers are framed beautifully by the dark, 3" glossy leaves. Prefers summer drought but able to withstand garden water in cooler summer areas or with compost free and free-draining soil. Cold hardy to USDA zone 8

Profuse, fragrant blooms, dark green leaves and compact habit make it a favorite in gardens of part shade or full sun.

Named for the late Elizabeth Mc Clintock of San Francisco. This excellent native shrub has been hardy here since the 70's. The narrow evergreen leaves are a good background for the snow white 2 inch flowers. The stamens are rich egg yolk yellow in late spring.