10g Florida Sunshine Anise

Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine'

Slowly reaches 5 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide.

'Florida Sunshine' is a native cultivar introduced by Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC.  It is a compact growing shrub with bright, chartreuse leaves that become even more strongly yellow in the fall and turn pale in the winter.  Stems turn a pleasant red in cool weather, adding to its fall beauty.  Like its parents, the foliage produces an anise fragrance when leaves rub together or are crushed.

Best grown in part shade, since leaves can scorch in bright sunlight.  Requires moist, rich soil.  Great shrub for small, shaded spaces, and becomes an attractive winter interest plant.

Photo Credit:  Tony Avent, Plant Delights Nursery; NC Extension