Illicium ‘NCIH2’ (Orion)

Masses of 2″ wide starry white flowers with a green eye that shine against the deep green foliage are produced in spring with repeat flowering in summer and into fall. A dwarf hybrid developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at J.C. Raulston Arboretum, Star Flower Orion Anise Shrub or Illicium was selected not only for its showy white spring flowers and compact habit but also for its unique ability to repeat flower in summer and into fall. These adaptable evergreen shrubs are tolerant of moist to relatively dry shade as well as full sun conditions. Provide a moist to average moist soil until well-established. Illiciums are one the few shrubs that can be considered ‘deer proof’. Foliage may be slightly yellowish to more of an olive green in full sun conditions whereas it is deeper green to almost blue-green in shade.