Calycanthus floridus
Back to Previous Page
     
Tried and True Recommended by 7 Professionals
Common Name: Carolina allspice
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Calycanthaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Garden Location: The Fragrance Garden
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Spread: 6 to 12 feet
Bloom Time: April to July
Bloom Color: Brown
Bloom Description: Brown
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer
Uses: Cut Flower

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers rich loams. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. Tends to sucker and often forms colonies in the wild. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Carolina allspice is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub with a suckering habit which grows 6-9' (less frequently to 12') tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. Features very fragrant, brown to reddish-brown flowers (2" across) which bloom at the ends of short branchlets in May. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. Lustrous, dark green (pale beneath), ovate to elliptic leaves to 6" long turn golden yellow in fall. Leaves are aromatic when bruised. Best to purchase this plant when in flower because the quality and intensity of the fragrance can vary widely from plant to plant. Also commonly called sweetshrub and strawberry bush in reference to the fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. Further common name of hairy allspice is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. U.S. native from Virginia to Florida.

Plant of Merit

Intensely fragrant flowers give this dense, rounded deciduous shrub its common name. It typically grows 6-9 feet tall, and features spicy-scented, dark reddish brown flowers in spring, lustrous dark green leaves in summer and golden yellow fall foliage color. This is an excellent specimen shrub for borders, foundations and patio areas.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Specimen near front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant flower aroma may be enjoyed. Shrub borders. Foundations. Native plant areas.

Back to Previous Page