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Key characteristics

Family: Schisandraceae
Height: 4 ft to 6 ft
Width: 4 ft to 5 ft
Flower color: Creamy white star shaped flowers with narrow petals and a waxy texture
Foliage color: Deep green leaves with purple tones and a glossy slightly leathery surface
Bloom time: Early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove damaged wood
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 10
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to flowers and birds attracted to aromatic foliage cover

Shrubs

Illicium anisatum 'HinPurlf'

Plumshine Japanese Star Anise

Illicium anisatum 'HinPurlf' produces small, creamy white star-shaped flowers in spring, nestled among the foliage and releasing a light, spicy fragrance. Glossy, lance-shaped leaves emerge a deep burgundy before maturing to rich green, with periodic flushes of colored new growth adding depth throughout the year. The foliage is leathery and aromatic when crushed, forming a dense, layered canopy that highlights the softly petaled blooms.

Originating from a species native to Japan and selected through horticultural introduction, this cultivar reflects refined breeding for ornamental foliage and flower detail.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Shade Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Daphne · Brunnera · Tiarella · Camellia · Bleeding heart · Hellebore

Design tip

Use ‘HinPurlf’ where its colorful new growth can be appreciated against established evergreen foliage. Deep burgundy emerging leaves mature to rich green, with additional flushes of colored growth throughout the year, while creamy white spring flowers provide a soft contrast.