Botanical Name: Fremontodendron ‘San Gabriel’
Common Name: Flannel bush (NCN)
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub/small tree

 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape An upright, single or multi-trunked plant with stiff branches ascending and spreading in a distinctive angular pattern to form a pyramidal canopy in youth; older plants tend to become broadly rounded
Height 15' - 20' (25')
Spread equal or more
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure full sun preferred; subject to root fungus diseases in shaded sites
Soil prefers dry, well-drained locations; tolerates clay if not over-watered
Hardiness hardy (zones 7-24): thrives in hot sunny locations
 
Morphology:
Leaves palmate, alternate, with 3-5 (7) lobes which are more conspicuous than the species; oval to nearly round, covered with tan fuzzy hairs
Flowers bright yellow on upper surface of petals, orange on lower surface 5-parted, solitary; 2-3" across; March - June
Fruit a capsule: 5-valved, densely hairy, 1"-2" long
 
Propagation:
semi-hardwood cuttings
 
Usage:
a highly prized large accent shrub/small tree for its heavy display of yellow flowers in spring (needs some pruning for best shape); if left alone, is a good screening or background mass; dry woodlands, Mediterranean or subtropical themes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering very little after established; avoid heavy watering during summer when the plant is in its dormant period
Fertilizing none required
Pruning little required, can be espaliered in youth; avoid strong heading-back
Pests/Diseases root fungus diseases a serious problem in clay soils Special Conditions/Other provide good drainage at the time of planting
 
Origin: hybrid cultivar between F. mexicanum and F. californica
Family: Sterculiaceae

Notes:
 
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