Description

This fremontia is a hybrid of our native F. californicum and F. mexicanum. The native species grows most of California’s mountain ranges. Although widely distributed, it is a rare find. Several hybrids have been developed over the years. ‘California Glory’ was developed by Rancho Santa Ana in Claremont, CA, in 1962. It is regarded by many as the best of the fremontia hybrids. It grows as a rounded shrub to about twenty feet, with felty lobed leaves. The display of yellow flowers is very generous and long-lasting. Each blossom is bright yellow with a blush or orange outer surface of the petals. One can try to constrain the growth of this robust hybrid, but it is best to provide ample room and just let it be. One good reason to avoid pruning your fremontia is that the fine hairs on the branches are quite irritating to the eyes and skin. Plant ‘California Glory’ fremontia in a sunny setting with well-draining soil. Although somewhat tolerant of water when young, this plant is best naturalized as early in its life as possible. Summer water will inevitably kill a mature plant.