Fremontodendron californicum can be found in the Demonstration Garden (Bed 3q) and in the California Native Plants Garden (Beds 33, 34D).

Scientific Name Fremontodendron californicum Common Name Flannel Bush Family Sterculiaceae Plant Type Evergreen shrubs or small trees Environment Similar cultural requirements as California native Ceanothus and look terrific planted together. Best sited in full sun with excellent drainage. Does not require dry-season water. Bloom Peak bloom in late April - May, but some varieties can bloom sporadically throughout the year. Uses Wonderful focal point in a drought-tolerant or native garden. Because of its regular branching pattern, it is a good espalier subject. More Info Fremontodendron and relatives Uses and lore in Plants for a Future database Fremontodendron 'San Gabriel' - a selection of the species Profile Contributor: Fred Bové

Fremontodendron (Fremont's tree) was named for General Fremont, explorer of the West and twice presidential candidate. The General was much involved in the early history of California, and in his travels discovered Fremontia near Sacramento in 1846. This beautiful shrub is found from the Cascades to Baja and in Arizona. It is most at home on the dry, rocky hillsides of the eastern flank of the Sierra, where it grows unnoticed in the chaparral until it bursts into bloom, lining twigs and branches with brilliant 3 inch saucer-shaped waxy yellow "flowers," which are really sepals with dusky apricot backsides. The leaves are dull, hairy, triangularly lobed, sometimes irritating to the skin, and tough enough for the early settlers to use to pad their shoes.

English plant explorers brought Fremontia to England shortly after its discovery, and there is a large one in front of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. It is a difficult plant in the garden as it develops crown rot from over-watering. Its cultivars are easier to grow. It is at its best when left neglected in a sunny undisturbed location. They can be short lived, but grow very fast and can reach twenty feet and be twice as wide. Fremontia is regarded as one of the most spectacular of California plants.

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Acer palmatum 'Sango kaku' January

Garrya elliptica January	Magnolia X soulangeana February	Senecio glastifolius March
Ribes spp. April	Oxalis oregana May	Calandrinia grandiflora June
Taxus baccata July	Romneya coulteri August	Passiflora parritae September
Malvaviscus arboreus October	Monterey Cypress November	Aloe arborescens December

Aloe plicatilis January	Banksia seminuda February	Zantedeschia aethiopica March
Magnolia laevifolia April	Araucaria heterophylla May	Toxicodendron diversilobum June
Clarkia sp. July	Agapanthus August	Brugmansia September
Cedrus spp. October	Protea repens November	Camellia sinensis December

Thujopsis dolabrata January	Gordonia longicarpa February	Rojasianthe superba March
Echium spp. April	Iris douglasiana May	Digitalis purpurea June
Felicia amelloides July	Ceroxylon quindiuense August	Amaryllis belladonna September
Ginkgo biloba October	Acer morrisonense November	Ilex aquifolium December

Picea sitchensis January	Telanthophora grandifolia February	Aeonium arboreum 'Schwartzkopf' March
Leptospermum April	Salvia gesneraeflora May	Lavandula spp. June
Pelargonium July	Fuchsia paniculata August	Luma apiculata September
Luculia October	Arbutus unedo November	Cycad December

Restionaceae January	Hellebores February	Ceanothus March
Rhododendron April	Psoralea pinnata May	Fremontodendron californicum June
Leucadendron argenteum July	Crocosmia August	Gunnera tinctoria September
Pellaea rotundifolia October	Fuchsia boliviana November	Erica canaliculata December

Magnolia campbelli January	Magnolia denudata February	Camellia March
Geranium maderense April	Acmena smithii May	Eschscholzia californica June
Dendromecon harfordii July	Romneya coulteri August	Eupatorium purpureum September
Epilobium canum sp. October	Grevillea spp. November	Drimys winteri December