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.
