Carpenteria californica |
Native Region: California
Zone Range: 08-09
Preferred Climate: Warm temperate to Mediterranean
Harvest Date: Tuesday 13 September, 2005
Seed count: 50-60
Description:
This small shrub grows to between 1 to 3 meters at maturity. The leaves sit opposite one another on the stems, lanceolate, glossy bright green, up to 10cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The blooms, produced in loose panicles emerge in late spring and continue until mid summer. The flowers are from 5 to 7 cm in diameter with delicate white petals surrounding a large boss of golden stamens.
Notes:
This species is rare in the wild, endemic only to seven sites in Fresno and Maders Counties in California, yet is an increasingly popular flowering shub suited to temperate gardens.
Cultivation:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Sow seed at 13-18 degrees Celsius in autumn or spring. Grow in well-drained, not too dry soil in full sun. Shelter from strong, cold and dry winds. Remove oldest flowered shoots occasionally from the base of the plant.
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