x Chiranthofremontia lenzii

Here I am pleased to offer a plant few people have even imagined might exist, let alone heard of, and one that I managed to get very excited about before I learned anything about it. And, while there is not very much information about this very rare plant, I am certain it will prove to have great worth in the garden. An intergeneric hybrid between the spectacular California native Fremontodendron and the monotypic, central-Mexican Chiranthodendron; this vigorous, large, evergreen shrub or small tree produces attractive, felty stems and leaves; with large, yellow flowers over a long period. As well as thriving in milder Northwest gardens, the Chiranthodendron parentage should expand the potential use of this Fremontodendron-like plant to wet-summer climates, demanding only sun and good drainage to thrive. As this plant is so rare, its hardiness is not really known, but 15 °F might be a good starting point for the Pacific Northwest - perhaps lower once established, or in climates with hot summers. Please, try it and let me know how it does!