Bush Anemone
Carpenteria californica
Climate Match for your location
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A California native shrub prized for its fragrant white flowers with prominent golden stamens that bloom in late spring and early summer. Drought-tolerant and heat-loving, it makes an excellent addition to water-wise gardens.
Why grow it
Bush anemone offers reliable late-spring flowering and fragrance in water-limited gardens where many ornamental shrubs require supplemental irrigation. Compared to other California native ornamentals, it combines drought tolerance with showy blooms and moderate size (typically 4-6 feet), making it useful for mixed plantings that balance visual interest with low maintenance. It tolerates poor, well-draining soils typical of hillside or xeric sites where competing ornamentals struggle.
Watch out for
Bush anemone performs best in areas with low summer humidity and good air circulation; in regions with persistent moisture or fog, it becomes prone to fungal diseases and root rot. It has specific soil drainage requirements and may decline in heavy clay or compacted soils without amendment. Occasional spider mite infestations can occur in hot, dry locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
Native to the United States
Native Range
California (endemic to Sierra Nevada foothills)
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native shrub prized for its fragrant white flowers with prominent golden stamens that bloom in late spring and early summer. Drought-tolerant and heat-loving, it makes an excellent addition to water-wise gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bush Anemone grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bush anemone offers reliable late-spring flowering and fragrance in water-limited gardens where many ornamental shrubs require supplemental irrigation. Compared to other California native ornamentals, it combines drought tolerance with showy blooms and moderate size (typically 4-6 feet), making it useful for mixed plantings that balance visual interest with low maintenance. It tolerates poor, well-draining soils typical of hillside or xeric sites where competing ornamentals struggle.
Watch out for
Bush anemone performs best in areas with low summer humidity and good air circulation; in regions with persistent moisture or fog, it becomes prone to fungal diseases and root rot. It has specific soil drainage requirements and may decline in heavy clay or compacted soils without amendment. Occasional spider mite infestations can occur in hot, dry locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
Native to the United States
Native Range
California (endemic to Sierra Nevada foothills)
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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