Notice
During the hot summer months, all plants are shipped in full leaf and active growth. While we take
great care in packing, transit heat and confinement can cause temporary shipping shock such as minor
leaf wilt or yellowing. This is normal and recovery begins once plants are watered and acclimated
after arrival. For best results, unpack immediately upon delivery and keep plants well-watered in a
shaded area for several days before planting. We highly recommend buying 2nd day air service for all
Quart size plants and trees, so they will arrive faster during the heat of summer.
'Florida Sunshine' Illicium
Sale price
$84.99
Regular price
$89.99
Save $5.00
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Plant Factory Direct
'Florida Sunshine' Illicium
Description
'Florida Sunshine' Illicium parviflorum
BEST VALUE: Premium 3 Gallon — Landscape Ready
Our nursery grown 3 Gallon Florida Sunshine Illicium arrives as a full, established specimen — the same quality professional landscapers rely on. Bigger root system, faster establishment, and instant golden impact in your garden from day one.
Landscape Ready Plants Ship Now
Our nursery grown 3 Gallon Florida Sunshine Illicium arrives as a full, established specimen — the same quality professional landscapers rely on. Bigger root system, faster establishment, and instant golden impact in your garden from day one.
Landscape Ready Plants Ship Now
BUDGET-FRIENDLY STARTER: 1 Gallon Plant — Spring 2027
Same premium genetics, same nursery grown quality — at a lower entry price. Perfect if you want to grow your collection over time. Reserve yours now for Spring 2027 delivery.
Same premium genetics, same nursery grown quality — at a lower entry price. Perfect if you want to grow your collection over time. Reserve yours now for Spring 2027 delivery.
FILL MY BOX & SAVE — Tiered Savings on Florida Sunshine Illicium
1 Plant = Original Price
Buy 2 Plants = Save 15%
Buy 4 Plants = Save 25%
Buy 6 Plants = Save 30%
Savings apply automatically at checkout. Available on both the 3 Gallon and 1 Gallon sizes.
1 Plant = Original Price
Buy 2 Plants = Save 15%
Buy 4 Plants = Save 25%
Buy 6 Plants = Save 30%
Savings apply automatically at checkout. Available on both the 3 Gallon and 1 Gallon sizes.
Why Florida Sunshine Illicium is Trending
- Golden-yellow foliage that holds its color year-round — no seasonal fade
- Deer resistant and fragrant — a rare combination that protects and delights
- Thrives in sun to part shade, making it one of the most versatile evergreens available
- Compact 3-4 foot habit fits foundations, borders, and mixed beds without crowding
- Pollinator friendly and pet safe — a responsible choice for family gardens
What This Plant Does For You
Imagine stepping outside to a garden that glows — even on cloudy days. Florida Sunshine Illicium delivers that warm, golden presence every single month of the year. Unlike seasonal color plants that fade and disappear, this evergreen holds its vibrant foliage through heat, cold, and everything in between. It fills in borders beautifully, anchors mixed shrub beds, and gives your landscape a polished, professional look without demanding constant attention. Once established, it handles drought with ease, freeing you from the worry of constant watering. This is the plant that makes your neighbors ask what your secret is.
Plant Highlights
- Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall x 3-4 feet wide
- Foliage Color: Golden Yellow (year-round)
- Flower Color: Creamy White
- Bloom Fragrance: Yes
- Hardiness Zones: 6-10
- Light: Sun to Part Shade
- Water Needs: Low to Moderate once established
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Type: Evergreen Shrub
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Add the 3 Gallon to Your Cart — Landscape Ready, Ships Now
Premium Features & Solutions
Florida Sunshine Illicium solves the most common landscaping headaches in one plant. Need year-round color without replanting every season? Done. Struggling with deer that eat everything? This one they leave alone. Want something that looks great in shade but also handles full sun? It does both. The 3 Gallon size arrives as a mature, nursery grown specimen — meaning you skip the years of waiting and get immediate visual impact. The 1 Gallon is the smart choice if you're planting a larger hedge or mass planting on a budget, with the same premium genetics that will fill in beautifully over time.
Choose Your Size
3 Gallon — Landscape Ready: Full, established plant with a robust root system. Faster establishment, bigger immediate impact. Ideal for focal points, foundation plantings, and anywhere you want results now.
1 Gallon — Spring 2027: Budget-friendly entry point with the same nursery grown genetics. Best for mass plantings, hedgerows, or gardeners who enjoy the growing process. Reserve now for Spring 2027 delivery.
Smart Growing Guide
Beginner Guide — Step-by-Step
- Choose a spot with sun to part shade and good drainage — this plant is forgiving but loves good soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Loosen the surrounding soil.
- Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill and firm gently.
- Water deeply right after planting, then keep the soil consistently moist for the first growing season.
- Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stem) to hold moisture and suppress weeds.
- In late winter or early spring, do a light trim to remove any crossed branches and keep the shape tidy.
- Fertilize in spring with a slow-release shrub fertilizer like SR-18-5-10 for best color and growth.
Advanced Guide — Optimization Tips
- For maximum foliage color intensity, site in morning sun with afternoon shade in zones 8-10.
- Amend heavy clay soils with pine bark fines to improve drainage and mimic the plant's native habitat.
- Use SR-18-5-10 slow-release fertilizer at label rates in early spring; avoid late-season nitrogen that pushes tender growth before frost.
- Prune selectively in late winter — remove inward-crossing branches to improve air circulation and maintain the natural mounding form.
- In zones 6-7, a light layer of pine straw mulch over the root zone provides added cold protection in the first winter.
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Plant in groups of 3 or more for a bold, mass-color effect that stops traffic — use the Fill My Box savings to stock up.
- Pair with dark-foliaged companions like Loropetalum or Nandina for a striking contrast that highlights the golden color.
- Use as a low hedge along walkways or driveways — the compact habit stays tidy with minimal pruning.
- In part shade areas where other shrubs struggle, Florida Sunshine brings the light your garden is missing.
- Established plants are drought tolerant — once rooted in, they thrive with minimal intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 3 Gallon size the best value?
The 3 Gallon arrives as a full, nursery grown specimen with an established root system. You get faster establishment, bigger immediate visual impact, and skip years of waiting compared to smaller sizes. For landscapers and homeowners who want results now, it's the clear choice.
What is Florida Sunshine Illicium and what does it look like?
It's a deer resistant evergreen shrub (Florida anise) prized for its vivid golden-yellow foliage that holds color year-round. In spring, it produces creamy white flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Its compact habit makes it easy to use in foundations, borders, and mixed shrub beds.
What zones does Florida Sunshine Illicium grow in?
It thrives in hardiness zones 6-10, making it suitable for a wide range of climates across the US. It handles both heat and cold well once established.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes — Florida Sunshine Illicium is listed as deer resistant, making it a reliable choice in areas where browsing pressure is a problem.
How much sun does it need?
It performs well in sun to part shade. In hotter zones (8-10), afternoon shade helps maintain the richest foliage color.
How big does it get?
Mature size is approximately 3-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It's a naturally compact shrub that stays tidy with minimal pruning.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, Florida Sunshine Illicium is listed as pet friendly — a safe choice for households with dogs and cats.
How do I use the Fill My Box savings?
Simply add 2, 4, or 6 Florida Sunshine Illicium plants to your cart and the discount applies automatically at checkout — no code needed. Buy 2 and save 15%, buy 4 and save 25%, or buy 6 and save 30%.
What is the difference between the 3 Gallon and 1 Gallon sizes?
The 3 Gallon is a landscape-ready, nursery grown specimen that establishes faster and delivers immediate visual impact. The 1 Gallon is a budget-friendly starter with the same genetics — ideal for mass plantings or gardeners who enjoy the growing process. The 1 Gallon is a Spring 2027 pre-order.
How long does shipping take?
Processing time is typically 1-3 days after your order is received. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday. We may hold shipments during extreme heat (above 95°F) or cold (below 34°F) to ensure your plant arrives healthy.
What states do you ship to?
We ship to most US states. We do not currently service AK, HI, or PR. Shipping zones 3-11 are open.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping is included on this product.
Take Action Now — Limited Landscape-Ready Stock
The 3 Gallon Florida Sunshine Illicium is in stock and ready to ship. Don't wait — landscape-ready plants move fast, especially with Fill My Box savings of up to 30% when you buy multiples.
Add to Cart Now
Ordering & Shipping: Processing 1-3 days. Ships Monday-Wednesday. Free shipping included. We hold orders during extreme weather to protect your plants.
The 3 Gallon Florida Sunshine Illicium is in stock and ready to ship. Don't wait — landscape-ready plants move fast, especially with Fill My Box savings of up to 30% when you buy multiples.
Add to Cart Now
Ordering & Shipping: Processing 1-3 days. Ships Monday-Wednesday. Free shipping included. We hold orders during extreme weather to protect your plants.
Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.