My heavily-pruned Fremontodendron today

[revmichael]

Last year I pruned my Fremontodendron 'California Glory' very heavily because it had grown so big in just three or four years.

Today, while pulling out some weed (not all of them, mind you. I had to leave some of the hudreds for another day) I noticed that it had just come into bloom.

Here's what it looks like today. It's just outside my study window





Does anyone have any tips of growing, and keeping in check this lovely plant?

[shemlock]

That is a gorgeous Fremontodendron, RM. I did have one which I kept in check, by pruning back each year to keep it bushy. It didn't seem to mind at all. The problem was the itchy reaction that I got from brushing against the leaves and stems. It has an itching powder substance, which, much as I tried not to touch it with bare hands or arms, it still got me.
It inexplicably decided to die one year.

[revmichael]

May 13, 2008 7:08:02 GMT @shemlock said:

That is a gorgeous Fremontodendron, RM. I did have one which I kept in check, by pruning back each year to keep it bushy. It didn't seem to mind at all. The problem was the itchy reaction that I got from brushing against the leaves and stems. It has an itching powder substance, which, much as I tried not to touch it with bare hands or arms, it still got me.
It inexplicably decided to die one year.

Yes the leaves are a bit rough but they haven't affected me in the same way - now, when it comes to irritations, it's euphorbias that do it for me - with their copydex sap.