Calycanthus floridus 'Athens'
     
Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: Carolina allspice
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Calycanthaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 6 to 9 feet
Spread: 6 to 12 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer
Uses: Cut Flower

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers a rich loam. Prune immediately after flowering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

A dense, rounded deciduous shrub which grows up to 9' tall. Features very fragrant, yellow flowers (2" across) which bloom at the end of short branchlets in May. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in the fall and persist throughout the winter. Lustrous, dark green leaves to 6" long which turn golden yellow in the fall. Good cut flower. Common names include Carolina allspice or sweetshrub or strawberry bush in reference to the fragrant blooms. The species of this cultivar is native to Eastern North America.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. A trouble free shrub.

Garden Uses

Excellent specimen near the front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant scent may be enjoyed, or for the shrub border.

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Calycanthus floridus