Carpinteria californica

Ratko’s collection of this monotypic gem, at 2700’ on the Sierra Nevada, an evergreen shrub with 4” glossy narrow leaves and pure white flowers up to 3” across that resemble a Stewartia or Anemone, scented of honey lemon. Seed supposedly requires fire or GA3 to germinate although in our experience this is not true. Carpinteria is in the hydrangeaceae and probably closest to Philadelphus, but more then weird enough to be classed monotypic. Rix calls it hardy to –15c.