Now In Bloom - Carpenteria californica

Carpenteria californica is in full, snowy bloom to celebrate the solstice.

This mid-sized evergreen shrub may be native to California but it's dependably hardy here. A close relative of mock orange, it's commonly called bush anemone for its large, sweetly-scented flowers that are anemone look-alikes. Centered with fluffy yellow stamen, the pure white flowers are shown off to perfection by the deep green of the foliage.

Carptenterias prefer sun but can take shade, don't want to be over-watered, and aren't particularly attractive to deer. They grow about six feet tall and three feet wide, make lovely specimen plants, effective hedges, will live happily in a container for years, and a single branch cut and stuck into a vase makes a long-lasting arrangement.

The Carpenteria californica below is thriving alongside the parking lot at the Inn at Langley.    Happy Solstice - Enjoy the longest day of the year.

 

Comments

[jp]

Not a comment on your post, but since I can't find any other way to ask this question, I figure I'll post it here.

You wrote this today:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2012073309_pacificpfoothouse20.html?cmpid=2628

In the article you use the terms "strict budget", "affordable", and ""It's hard to figure out, really, what the green cost is," says Jans".

That's great, but what did it cost? What does "affordable" actually mean? Is this a house that's $100 sq/ft or $400 sq/ft. As someone who's interested in a complete tear down and remodel, why does the actual cost need to be such a mystery?

[Tkholl55]

Read your article today....another good one, read as many of your articles as I can. Am a Manager/plant buyer for Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville. We have been recycling pots from 1 gal. size on up for about 18 yrs. now. We try to let as many of our customers know as possible. We re-plant with them & exchange w/growers we buy from!
I invite you to visit the Nursery. We have a good selection of everything, but perennials & annuals especially !
Kerry,
Sunnyside Nursery

[creative recreation]

The opinions you provid are of grat help, I like your blog, thank you.

[Erik]

You wrote "This mid-sized evergreen shrub may be native to California but it's dependably hardy here." Where is 'here'? Do you sometimes get winter temperatures around -10C ( I believe around 14 or 15F)? Thanks!