Great Design Plant: Illicium Parviflorum ‘Florida Sunshine’
This shrub from the anise family brings a ray of chartreuse sunlight to the woodland garden
The woodland garden, more often than not, is a study in interwoven shapes and textures. Rich greens rule where the jewel-toned flora of the prairie don’t dare to tread. In the forest, yellow and chartreuse are elusive and coveted. One native shrub brings that ray of sunshine into the shade garden. It’s evergreen, deer resistant, compact and all-around wonderful. Meet Florida Sunshine anise shrub (Illicium parviflorum ‘Florida Sunshine’).
Distinguishing traits. Its tight, compact form, spicy and fragrant fruit, and year-round bright color make it hard to miss.
How to use it. Plant Florida Sunshine anise shrub en masse for an unforgettable sight in the woodland garden. It is also suitable as a foundation plant on the north side of a house in moist but not overly soggy soil.
How to use it. Plant Florida Sunshine anise shrub en masse for an unforgettable sight in the woodland garden. It is also suitable as a foundation plant on the north side of a house in moist but not overly soggy soil.
In my garden I have paired it with Skylands oriental spruce (Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’, zones 4 to 7) to make a colorful statement. I have also alternated it along both sides of a creek to create rhythm.
Planting notes. Florida Sunshine anise shrub should be planted in partial sun to light shade and supplied with plenty of moisture along with well-drained soil.
More:
20 Ways to Create a Chartreuse Splash in the Landscape
Let Nature Inspire Your Landscape: Ideas for a Woodland Garden
Planting notes. Florida Sunshine anise shrub should be planted in partial sun to light shade and supplied with plenty of moisture along with well-drained soil.
More:
20 Ways to Create a Chartreuse Splash in the Landscape
Let Nature Inspire Your Landscape: Ideas for a Woodland Garden
Common name: Florida Sunshine anise shrub
Origin: The species is native to the Southeastern U.S.
Where it will grow: Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 6 to 9; find your zone)
Light requirement: Partial sun to light shade; avoid afternoon sun exposure
Water requirement: Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Mature size: 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Deer and rabbit avoid it; shade tolerant. (I avoided this plant for years based on the specimens I had seen sulking in full sun. Give it shade and it will shine.)
Seasonal interest: This evergreen shrub maintains its bright chartreuse foliage into the winter, when the leaves may fade to a whitish yellow; at this time its stems gain a cinnamon hue, making this a plant with four-season interest. Sports small white flowers in spring, followed by brown fruit that smells like anise when crushed.
When to plant: Spring or fall