Description

California fremontia grows throughout much of California’s Mediterranean climate into northern Baja, Mexico, and Arizona. It is somewhat spotty in its distribution. It is apparently absent, for instance, from the sun-drenched ridges of the Diablo Range. California fremontia grows as a rounded shrub with fuzzy slightly lobed leaves over gray bark. Although it can be pruned into a small tree, they seem to always tip over in the wind when grown this way. The spring bloom of fremontia is like no other. The plant erupts with large yellow flowers often slightly tinted with orange. The flowers produce large seed heads that disappear among the dense foliage. Over time, the old seed heads and leaves produce a thick duff under the shrub which effectively keeps weeds down. California fremontia is a hardy and adaptable shrub, but it really must be planted in the fall and should never - ideally - be given supplemental irrigation, even in the first summer. It is quite intolerant of summer water. It may look like it needs water in the late summer, but it should be kept dry. Plant California fremontia with other dry-loving shrubs. Ceanothus are a good choice, especially since their dark foliage and blue flowers pair nicely with fremontia.
Please be aware that the fine hairs that cover fremontia can be irritating to the skin.