Great Design Plant: Bush Anemone (Carpenteria californica 'Elizabeth')

Plant Profile

Bush anemone ‘Elizabeth’: sweetly fragrant white flowers with yellow stamens, late spring to summer. Native to Sierra Nevada foothills; cultivar more compact and floriferous.

Key Features

• Zones 7/8–9/10 (hardy to 25 °F).
• Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade in hottest climates).
• Regular water to establish; deep, occasional thereafter.
• 4–6 ft tall/wide. Deer resistant, drought/coastal tolerant.
• Attracts butterflies. Purplish bark peels to reveal tan.

Distinguishing Traits

Prolific clusters (up to 20) of sweet‑scented, anemone‑like flowers. Dark green ovate leaves year‑round.

Uses

Resists oak root fungus—great under oaks. Native woodland garden. Shade tolerance + lush flowers.

Planting Notes

Good drainage, sandy slopes ok. Drip irrigation ideal. Little to moderate water. No heavy pruning—remove woody portions annually, pinch after bloom for shape. Check aphids/mites, spray off. Avoid fertilizer.