Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F
Chinese Anise is a great evergreen shrub or small tree for shade. It kind of reminds me of Red Tip Photinia but without all the problems, and it grows in shade. There's just not too many evergreen shrubs that can be useful as a taller hedge or screen in the shade. It's perfect for creating a screen, hedge or buffer. Unlike other Florida anise, this one does not wilt during the heat of the summer day.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
I've yet to prune my Chinese Anise at it seems like it is a plant that will rarely if ever need pruned. Mine has stayed full and bushy with no pruning at all.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
I planted my Chinese Anise in a shady spot near my garden pond as an evergreen background. The soil in the area stays somewhat moist and the plant is doing great and has flushed out it's red new growth several times through the spring and summer.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
I would recommend using a slow release shrub and tree fertilizer or a natural plant food in early spring and again in late spring. A mid-summer feeding might be okay as well. Cease feeding about two months before the first frost date in your area.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
I've yet to see any insect or disease problems with Chinese Anise. This variety doesn't wilt like some other anise varieties do on hot summer afternoons.