We thought we’d share a photo taken this week of the original plant of Illicium parviflorum ‘Florida Sunshine’ from our garden. All plants sold worldwide originated with cuttings taken from our specimen. The original plant has now been in the ground here for 22 years and measures 8′ tall x 8′ wide. The foliage becomes brightest in the cool temperatures of winter. Who says Southeast US native plants look ugly? Hardiness zones 6a to 9b.
I have this in my Florida Friendly garden and notice just yesterday how it seemed to glow!
A most underused focal point plant
Tony, from my experience with ‘Florida Sunshine’ it is intolerant of full sun or afternoon sun in the Piedmont of SC. The leaves become bleached white and eventually brown and necrotic. It appears as if the terminal leaves on a few of the shoots in your original plant are sun-bleached. Your thoughts?
Our plant gets blasted by afternoon sun and has for decades. A few leaves will indeed sun bleach in winter, but the problem is insignificant in terms of affecting the overall appearance.
Incredible! Thanks very much for the reply.
Mine is struggling!