Carpenteria californica, commonly called ‘bush anemone’ or ‘tree anemone’, is a rarer breed of California native, endemic to only seven sites across the Fresno and Madera County foothills. Today it’s prized many Bay-area gardens for its tropical-looking, fragrant flowers. The ‘Elizabeth’ cultivar is a particular favorite due to its high drought tolerance and prolific blossoms.
Elizabeth McClintock, PhD.
Interestingly, ‘Elizabeth’ is named in honor of one of California’s most renowned botanists of the 20th century, Elizabeth McClintock. Dr. McCLintock contributed to public horticulture through involvement with the San Francisco Academy of Sciences, Pacific Horticulture, and the California Native Plant Society, among many others over her highly distinguished career.
Appearance
Blossoms
Carpenteria californica offers abundant flowers from May to July. Bright yellow stamens stand out against petite white, cuplike blossoms. While other members of the species have flowers that open gradually, ‘Elizabeth’ opens up all at once, in masses of up to 20 in each cluster. Their lovely shape calls to mind Japanese anemones, single-form camellias, and tropical exotics.
Sweet fragrance is another attractive feature of ‘Elizabeth’, drawing butterflies to the plants during blooming time.
Foliage
Ovate leaves are approximately five inches in length, glossy and dark green. While pretty, foliage is quite bitter to the taste – a natural deterrent from deer and gophers who may be searching for snacks in your landscape.
Pretty purplish-colored bark shreds away to reveal a pale yellow brown color underneath in the fall.
Soil and Water Requirements
A primary benefit of native plants like Carpenteria californica is their inherent ability to flourish naturally without needing outside maintenance. With this in mind, plant in light, well-drained soil. In very hot areas, plantings will benefit from partial shade in the afternoon.
While occasional deep watering in summer time helps promote growth, abstain from overwatering. It’s much easier to kill the plant with too much moisture than it is to harm it from too little. Drip irrigation is preferable to avoid creating fungal problems for the foliage. Once established, bush anemone is highly drought tolerant and can be said to thrive on neglect.
Pruning
Bush anemone does not require pruning, but they can be cut back after flowering to preserve a rounded, bushy form.
Plant Features and Uses
- Pleasing fragrance
- Attracts butterflies
- Deer resistant
- Pollinator-friendly
- Suitable for cutting gardens and natural landscapes
- Drought tolerant and hardy
- Companion plantings: Manzanita, Heuchera, Ceanothus, Mimulus, native oaks (is resistant to oak root fungus)
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Bush anemone companions: Mimulus (monkeyflower), Ceanothus (California lilac), Manzanita
Hi ..
We have some newly planted ( within the last 9 months) Carpenteria California plants.. They are in partial sun and shade … a few of the plants have been getting yellow leaves … Does that mean too much water?
Thanks for your help !
Regards,
Jan
Hi Jan- It may be from too much water, but it also could be from the excessive heat recently. Hopefully they will recover well as the weather gets cooler.
Yes,Hello- I am in search of seeds to start some of these wonderful natives, can you suggest a local source near Monterey where they can be puchased? Best Wishes, DP
Carpinteria plants grow wild along streambeds within our Eastern Fresno County ranch. We transplanted a few of them into the backyard of our home. They are indeed easy to grow. However, one must remember to water them.
If planted in full shade along the central coast of California, how fast would these plants grow? How long might it take to reach 4-5 feet if planted as a 1-gallon nursery plant?
Is there a difference between Carpinteria Californica and Carpinteria Californica Elizabeth?
Looking for a variety that grows as tall as possible, want to order the right type.
How tall can I expect at maturity with full sun and irrigation?
-Thank you!
Hi, I live near the ocean in the southwestern corner of British Columbia. I grew a Carpenteria californica for about 10 years in my former garden; however, the older leaves always turned brown but didn’t drop. In fact, it took many hours – and some persistence – to pull them off the plant. Because it’s borderline hardy here, I grew it against the south corner of the house, where the soil was relatively dry and the shrub would be sheltered. Now I have bought an ‘Elizabeth’ cultivar and want to plant it in my new garden, but am afraid of getting the same problem. Some sites tell me it needs water, especially in the summer, and other sites tell me it prefers drought. Which is it?? And would winter water turn the leaves brown and crispy? I’d really appreciate your help with this. Thanks!
Hello, I planted two Carpenteria California that I ordered a couple of years ago. They are growing nicely, and are about 2 1/2 ft tall. But they have not yet started flowering. How many years before they start flowering? Or do I need to add something to the soil?
I moved into a home with a few carpenteria planted in a spot that fits your suggestion…morning sun, afternoon shade, low water. It is blooming now and pretty. Last fall, all the leaves hung, turned yellow and dried on the stalk. The stalk and branches looked dead. It was pretty ugly. Being new, I decided to give it a year and we trimmed it a little in the winter.
The shrubs are about 5 ft tall and 1-2ft wide now. What can I do to help this plant? I’d like to get it to grow more bushy. It is on the east side of a fence and on the edge of an oak tree canopy (south side). Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Hello,
I am considering planting a carpenteria in my garden In a sunny location with other plants that get watered 2-3 times per week in the summer. I live in San Jose, CA.
Will a carpenteria do ok if it has regular water all it’s life?
Also, do the roots get large enough that they might affect or crack a brick planter box?
I don’t think your 3rd picture is a Carpenteria. It looks like a Philadelphus. What do you think?