Illicium floridanum 'Ocala'
Florida Anise ‘Ocala’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its lush, glossy green foliage and unique star-shaped flowers. This versatile native landscape plant provides year-round greenery and works beautifully in shaded gardens, woodland landscapes, borders, foundation plantings, and privacy screens.
Also Known As (AKA):
- Florida Anise
- Ocala Anise
- Florida Star Anise
- Florida Anise Shrub
- Illicium floridanum 'Ocala'
Florida Anise ‘Ocala’ features dense evergreen foliage and distinctive reddish-maroon flowers that appear in spring. Its upright, naturally rounded form makes it an excellent choice for adding texture, screening, and year-round interest to partially shaded landscapes.
- 🌿 Glossy, evergreen foliage for year-round color
- 🌸 Unique reddish-maroon star-shaped flowers
- 🌳 Excellent shrub for shade and woodland gardens
- 🏡 Ideal for borders, foundation plantings, and privacy screens
- 🌱 Native Florida landscape plant
- ☀️ Performs well in partial to full shade
- 💧 Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil
Note: Plant Florida Anise ‘Ocala’ in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained, organically rich soil for best performance. Protect young plants from prolonged drought and harsh afternoon sun.
Growing Zones: 7–10 Outdoors
| Mature Height: | 6–10 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Partial Shade to Full Shade |
| Mature Width: | 4–8 ft. |
| Botanical Name: | Illicium floridanum 'Ocala' |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Bloom Time: | Spring |
| Type: | Evergreen Flowering Shrub |
| Foliage Color: | Glossy Green |
| Flower Color: | Reddish-Maroon |
| Watering: | Moderate to High; Prefers Consistent Moisture |
| Special Feature: | Evergreen Foliage, Unique Star-Shaped Flowers, Shade Tolerant, Privacy Screening |
FAQ's
What is Florida Anise ‘Ocala’?
Florida Anise ‘Ocala’ is an evergreen shrub known for its glossy green foliage, attractive upright form, and unusual reddish-maroon star-shaped flowers.
What are the growing zones for Florida Anise ‘Ocala’?
Florida Anise is generally suitable for USDA Zones 7–10 when grown in appropriate conditions.
Does Florida Anise ‘Ocala’ grow well in shade?
Yes. It performs especially well in partial to full shade and is a useful choice for woodland gardens and shaded landscape areas.
What color are the flowers on Florida Anise?
The flowers are typically reddish to maroon and have a distinctive star-like shape that adds unique seasonal interest.
Is Florida Anise an evergreen shrub?
Yes. Florida Anise is an evergreen shrub that provides attractive green foliage and landscape structure throughout the year.
How large does Florida Anise ‘Ocala’ get?
Under suitable growing conditions, it can reach approximately 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide at maturity.
How often should Florida Anise be watered?
Provide regular moisture, especially while the plant is establishing. It prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil.
Where can I plant Florida Anise ‘Ocala’?
It is well suited for shaded gardens, woodland settings, borders, foundation plantings, privacy screens, and naturalized landscapes.
