Selected for its dwarf stature and large white flowers with green eyes that repeat bloom throughout the season, this evergreen shrub is a hybrid between Illicium floridanum and Illicium mexicanum and was developed by Dr. Tom Ranny at North Carolina’s J. C. Raulston Arboretum. The olive-green to blue-green, glossy, aromatic elliptical leaves emit an anise-like fragrance when crushed, hence the common name. Anise Shrub does best with some shade and protection from winter’s drying wind.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade, especially preferring shade in winter; tolerates moist to relatively dry conditions, but provide plenty of moisture until well established
Size: 2'-3’ tall, 3'-5’ wide
Zone: 6 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators, including small flies, bees and butterflies