The Florida Sunshine Illicium, also known as the Yellow Anise tree, is an eye-catching evergreen shrub that brings a warm and vibrant feeling into your garden. Mature plants reach an average size of 4 – 5 ft in height and 3 feet in width and has a dense growth habit which is unique to this cultivar as the others are much larger in size. There are no flowers with this shrub, but the beautiful foliage and stems that develop deep red hue will provide you with year-round interest! Florida Illicium is a wonderful foundation hedge or a privacy screen and even does well when grown in containers.
Florida Sunshine is hardy from USDA Zones 6-9 and prefers full shade to part shade locations. The leaves of the Illicium scorch easily scorched so it is best to avoid full sun at all costs. Additionally, this is NOT a drought tolerant plant therefore it requires moist, rich soil.
During the first growing season water your Illicium 2-3 times per week. After your shrub has been established, provide supplemental watering 1-2 times a week.
Although it is not a necessity you may want to consider pruning your shrub. Whether you are wanting a certain shape, size or you are just looking to promote healthy growth pruning will help you achieve any of the above. When pruning, do so in the late fall after blooming has come to an end. As with all pruning start with the removal of dead limbs cutting them back to their origin and then move on to cutting back any unsightly shoots that disrupt the natural shape of the plant or shrub.
If desired, Florida Sunshine can even be pruned into tree form. We recommend waiting until it has reached 5 feet tall or higher before doing so, but by removing the lower branches. Remove a branch, step back to access and continue to do so until you are satisfied with the results achieved.
Fertilize yearly in the spring with a balanced, acidic plant fertilizer. For more rapid growth, reapply fertilizer every few months during the growing season.
Plant your Florida Sunshine 2-3 feet apart for a seamless planting, Otherwise, space them 5+ feet apart for gaps between plants. Below you will find a video of Jim Putnam discussing a number of tips, tricks and some general information about the Florida Anise!
Michael (verified owner) –
Stunning tree shrubs, they are a better quality than expected. They arrived in perfect condition. Very happy with this purchase.
Jessica Eastwood (verified owner) –
I’m so happy I ordered these from this company. I ordered 3 and one was severely damaged by the shipper leaving it upside down but the company has been great to work with in regards to the replacement. These really are great plants and a good company. I’ve ordered many plants online and these have been the best by far.
Patricia Callegari (verified owner) –
Upon arrival, the plants were big and healthy with new growth. Very pleased with them. They add a much needed bright touch to my shady woodland garden. One issue was that the soil in all three was extremely loose and fell away from the roots when my gardener planted. Keeping my fingers crossed because I really love these plants. Hope they survive.
Barbara (verified owner) –
I had put my name on a waiting list for this plant last year, and was very pleased and surprised that Plants by Mail did notify me when the plant was back in stock! I immediately order 2, and they arrived within a week. Both were in excellent condition and much larger than I’d hoped. I’ve planted both and they really brighten up the shady parts of my garden.
James Joseph Tanner (verified owner) –
Beautiful voluptous plant and very health looking and packaged great.
michael.varga211 (verified owner) –
What a bright spot in my woodland garden. Transplanted with ease. Did require quite a bit of water throughout the summer but we suffered a drought for several months. The plant let me know it was thirsty and recovered quickly. It sailed through the winter and the deer never touched it.
A, Ford (verified owner) –
I was surprised that it was quite vibrant for a plant suited for shady locations, I plan to add to this collection.
Trish (verified owner) –
The plants arrived timely and were in good shape. The brighten up my shady area. Great purchase and will likely be ordering other plants soon. Thanks!
Samantha (verified owner) –
It arrived quickly and in excellent condition. Great root system and really brightens up the shady area I put it in.
David Bangtson (verified owner) –
First time buyer. I was shocked with the quality of the plants and the well-packed extremely fast delivery. Could not have been better.
Caitlin Swindle –
These are very vibrant and perfect for my shaded bland garden bed. They came in pristine condition like all of their plants do! Love it
Karen (verified owner) –
Great plant! Makes my shaded garden pop! The plants were in excellent condition on arrival and are a good size. We already have new growth to all 3 plants. Great purchase!