You have to water a flannel bush differently than most popular flowering plants for balconies and patios. And there is also a lot to consider when fertilizing.
The Californian flannel shrub (Fremontodendron californicum) takes the hearts of many hobby gardeners by storm. The reason for this is the summery, golden-yellow blossoms, which enchant us well into summer. But as the saying goes: nothing comes from nothing. In order for the flannel shrub to flower profusely, you need to provide it with proper water and fertilizer.
Water the flannel bush correctly
In its natural home in California, the flannel shrub is used to long periods of drought. When watering, you should imitate the rare rainfall in nature as closely as possible. What does that mean specifically? Water relatively seldom, about every 14 to 18 days and a little more vigorously. You should be able to feel no more moisture in the substrate several inches deep with your finger before you next water.
Always water directly onto the substrate and do not spray the leaves and flowers with water during the day. The water droplets focus the sun's light so that superficial burns can easily occur.
Due to the rare jerky pouring, however, you have an easy-to-solve problem. Waterlogging can occur in containers without a functioning water drain, which can easily lead to root rot in the flannel bush (more about this here). Therefore, choose a bucket with one or more drainage holes for your flannel shrub and pour in gravel, pumice or expanded clay in front of the substrate. This coarse material acts as a drain, directing water downwards out of the tub. You can then simply pour away excess water that has been left in the saucer for more than a day.
How to fertilize flannel bushes
Flannel shrubs are rather frugal in terms of nutrient consumption. A regularly renewed, sandy to loamy soil provides a large part of the required nutrients and you only need to fertilize moderately. A commercially available flowering plant fertilizer is best suitedthat you put in the irrigation water.
Never fertilize dry substrate with the fertilizer alone, as this can easily lead to s alt burns on the roots. It is even advisable to split the watering process even when fertilizing. That means: first pour half of the usual amount with clear water and then only add the liquid fertilizer to the second half.
Water and fertilize flannel bushes during hibernation
Outside the growing season from April to September, the flannel shrub's need for water decreases again and you can further increase the intervals between watering. In principle, you do not have to fertilize the flannel shrub in the cold season.