Fremontodendron mexicanum

Common Names

Mexican Flannelbush, Mexican Fremontia, Southern Flannel Bush, Southern Flannelbush

Summary

Mexican flannelbush is a large evergreen shrub native to Baja California and California, including San Diego County, where it occurs in chaparral and canyon habitats. It has an upright to arching habit with velvety gray-green, palmately lobed leaves and scurfy young shoots. Bright yellow flowers appear over a long bloom period, providing a sunny display through the growing season.

It thrives in full sun with very low irrigation and well-drained soils, with no summer watering once established and winter hardiness around 20–25°F. Propagation can be by seed, cuttings, or layering, and it is cultivated as an ornamental plant in native, drought-tolerant, and wildlife gardens and habitat restoration projects; handling is cautioned due to fine hairs on leaves and stems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-20 feet

Spread

10-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, sandy, rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Gray-green to olive green foliage

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast growth (6–8 ft per year)

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies