Blog: Flannel Bush Signals Arrival of Spring

Flannel bush is a hardy, drought tolerant California native with beautiful golden flowers.

Once the winter rains come this evergreen shrub loads up with hundreds of fuzzy golden blossoms. The buds are all opening now! Sherman Gardens' specimen is a spectacular espalier in the California Native Garden. After the 3 inch wide blooms open they begin to fade from yellow to golden rusty orange.

Flannel bush is known scientifically as Fremontodendron californicum but is so popular that many cultivars have been developed and are readily available. This plant thrives in hot well drained soil in exposed areas and rocky hillsides.

It needs only little water once it's established and will signal spring's arrival with huge golden flowers year after year.

What are your plans for spring? Tell us in the comments.