Fremontodendron hybrid. ‘Ken Taylor’ offers all the stunning beauty of the Fremontodendron californica, but in a more compact form suitable for smaller gardens. This hybrid reaches about 5′ high and spreads to about 8′. Attractive blooms of deep gold, with a darker orange outside adorn the shrub in spring and into summer. Leaves are deep green. Ideal for planting on slopes, where the soil drains well. This shrub will not need supplemental water after establishment. If possible, plant your Fremontodendron in late fall so that it is established before the summer, avoiding the danger of overwatering. The dry hairs on the leaves can be irritating to skin, so it is best to plant this away from high-traffic areas.
Fremontodendron ‘Ken Taylor’ was created by Ken Taylor of Aromas, California and is thought to be a cross of Fremontodendron califronica ssp. decumbens and Fremontodendron ‘California Glory’. Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Selected for the garden.