The plant made it through winter and summer. I planted it from a 3 gallon pot and it is now just over 3ft tall. It only pinked up around December last year. The pink was a pale pink and not particularly eye catching. It took the frosts well with no dead parts at the end of winter. It is planted in a shady corner that gets around 3 hours sun from 8 until 11 in the morning during summer. Full shade for the rest of the day. The leaves drooped every day during summer when it caught sun. It perked up again later in the afternoon. I had to water it every other day during mid summer to keep it happy. It had beautiful red flowers during spring that only lasted a short time before dropping off. The leaves are very fragrant when touched. The variegation stayed on all new growth. Photos from today. Unfortunately I don't have any photos from the pink phase. I'm happy with the plant as it does give interest to an otherwise plain shady spot.

from personal experience with the species, i found it to be intolerant of drought. literature says "drought tolerant once established" but my plant never did look healthy. spots appeared on the leaves, looking a lot like the unsightly condition that red-tip photinia develops. i don't know if it was disease or lack of constant moisture but it gave up the ghost eventually. site was as recommended with partial shade.

I am in 6b and have grown Illicium floridanum for about 4 years. Each Spring it comes out looking battered and a bit scorched, but after a grooming session with the Felcos, it bounces back. The foliage is nice and the flowers are maroon and interesting, eventually turning to green starfish shaped seedheads. Nice foliage for along a path where you may brush against it. Virtually unheard of around here - I have only ever seen one in a landscape locally. Rx

I would be very grateful if someone could send me some sedds of "Illicium floridanum red and the white too" Thank you in advance phil