Illicium 'Florida Sunshine'

Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine' is a named selection of Florida anisetree introduced by Plant Delights Nursery. Its evergreen chartreuse-gold foliage brightens to yellow in autumn, turns pale parchment in winter, and contrasts with reddish upper stems; bruised leaves have an anise-like scent. Small yellow to yellowish-green flowers are reported in spring and summer, with bloom timing varying among sources. ([Plant Delights](https://www.plantdelights.com/products/illicium-parviflorum-florida-sunshine); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/illicium-parviflorum-florida-sunshine/); [Pender Nursery](https://www.pendernursery.com/plant/Illicium-parviflorum-Florida-Sunshine)) ## Size and seasonal color Published mature sizes vary: Pender Nursery lists about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide, Panther Creek Nursery lists 3–4 feet tall and wide, and Plant Delights reports an original specimen that reached 8 by 8 feet. Allow room for a substantial evergreen shrub, and treat size as dependent on age and growing conditions. The foliage remains through winter, changing from chartreuse and gold to yellow, then pale parchment; upper stems redden as the weather cools. ## Siting and soil Give it partial to light shade, especially where winter sun could scorch the foliage. It prefers moist, rich soil and is not drought tolerant; NC State lists clay, high-organic-matter soil, loam, or sand, with good drainage and tolerance of occasionally wet conditions. Use it in a woodland planting, mixed shrub border, hedge or privacy screen, rain garden, or winter garden. Sources list hardiness from 6a–9b or 7–9, so check the range for your local conditions. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist during dry spells and protect the winter foliage from strong sun. Little pruning is generally needed when the shrub has suitable light and enough space. Plant it as an ornamental rather than a culinary anise: NC State and Pender warn that Illicium species other than culinary star anise have toxic plant parts.