Thursday, May 21, 2009

Illicium lanceolatum: another obscure plant, but possibly one with promise

Reviewing the literature, I keep seeing this flower referred to as rose pink. I don't have the greatest eyes, but this flower is orange(Google images will confirm this). Smallish, pendulous, and not fragrant there is nevertheless something appealing about them. That they are produced by a shade tolerant evergreen that is very unappealing to deer and hardy in USDA Zones 7-9 makes them even more intriguing.

Our plant is about 12' high with a similar spread. The leaves are thick, glossy, dark green, and lanceolate. It would be an attractive shrub without any flowers. A quick search didn't reveal any sources, but we bought this plant so a potential supply exists in nurseries patiently? awaiting demand.

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