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Turquoise Puya

Chiranthodendron x Fremontodendron hybrid

This is a rare look at a special hybrid between the legendary Devil's Hand Tree (Chiranthodendron) and the California native, Flannel Bush (Fremontodendron).  The Golden Hand Tree (xChiranthomontodendron lenzii) is quite an amazing plant!  It blooms almost all year for me, with unusual, hand-shaped blossoms that people always notice.  It is easy to grow, although it is untested in very hot or cold climates.  It's pretty hard to find, and might not be available elsewhere online.

xChiranthomontodendron lenzii / xChiranthofremontia

It is a well-shaped evergreen tree that gets 25 feet tall, but it doesn't mind being pruned to a few feet tall and kept in a pot.  The 5 inch leaves have a fuzzy texture like the parents, and each leaf develops a flower near it - so it makes tons of flowers!  The 3 inch blooms aren't as creepy as the red Devil's Hand Tree, but they have the same upward, cup-like shape, with sweet nectar inside that attracts birds.  The bottom is orange and blends to yellow near the top, giving it a flame-like appearance that is super showy.

xChiranthofremontia lenzii

The parent plants

It has handled temperatures in the 90s in California, where nights are cool.  It's possible it might not thrive in areas with warm nights, like the South, since the parent plants aren't used to those conditions.  It has taken temps in the mid-20s with some leaf damage, and probably can survive colder, possibly around 10°F.  I recommend protecting it from frost and high heat the first year.  It enjoys full sun or part shade.  It's drought-tolerant, but it doesn't mind frequent watering if it's in fast-draining soil.  In the right conditions, it is fast growing and durable.

xChiranthomontodendron lenzii (xChiranthofremontia)

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