The leaves of the Flannel Bush have a leathery and fuzzy texture reminiscent of flannel.
F. californicum bears lemon yellow 1 to 1.5 inch flowers that tend to bloom all at once. It also bears roundish, unlobed or three-lobed leaves.
| Plant Types: | Perennial, Shrub, Tree |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 5 feet to 20 feet |
| Width: | 12 feet to 20 feet |
| Zones: | 8a to 10b |
| Bloom Color: | Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | North American native |
| Shape: | Oval |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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When planting young saplings, it is best to stake them as they have shallow roots and may topple in stiff breezes. If growing from seed, soak in warm water a few days and leave outdoors so cool nights help trigger germination. A 10% germination rate is normal. Or propagate from softwood or half-hardened cuttings.
They thrive in full sun with shelter from dry, cold winds. The hairs of the leaves and young shoots can cause skin irritation. Plants do not live much past 20 years.
To promote flowering, grow in poor quality soil, because rich soil will cause the plant to focus on foliage growth.
Flannel Bushes require little to no irrigation. In California where they are mostly native to, little precipitation falls in the summer months and these plants thrive with this climate. During their dry period, they can tolerate some irrigation, but do best without it. Grows best in poor-moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, well-draining soil.
Remove crossing shoots, annually, in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy framework. Prune in mid to late summer to encourage new growth and flowers.
Scale insects. Other problems include root rot and stem rot, especially in containers.