Carolina allspice, is an erect to rounded deciduous native shrubin the Calycanthaceae family. It is found in the south east growing in shady woodlands and along streambanks. It grows 6-12' tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. It is commonly called sweetshrub and strawberry bush in reference to the showy fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry, and banana. The aroma is stronger in higher temperatures and it is best to purchase the plant in flower as the fragrances dovary so widely. The scientific name derives from the Greek wordskaylxwhich means calyx and anthoswhich means flowers.
Sweetshrub grows best in average to rich, well-drained soil in anywhere from full sun to deep shade. It prefers some shade in hot summer afternoons and it will grow lankier and less dense in shade than in sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and pH but prefers rich loams. Plant it 3 to 5 feet from other shrubs to give it adequate room to grow. It blooms in early spring before leaves emerge, with the leaves, and sporadically thereafter.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. It has a suckering habit meaning those suckering branches need to bemaintained unless you want this plant to naturalize in your landscape. Prune the plant to shape immediately after flowering as the flowers are produced on last year's wood. Propagate this plant by seed.
It can tolerate brief periods of flooding, but it struggles in sandy soil and drought conditions. It withstands cold and heat, insect and disease pests, fire, and deer browsing. Plant it as a specimen or near a patio or walkway to enjoy itsfragrance. Its form makes for a good screen or privacy hedge or plant it inthe back of a shrub border or in a foundation planting. Consider this native in your cutting, sensory, orwoodland garden.
Fire Risk:This plant has a low flammability rating.
Quick ID Hints:
- Solitary maroonflowers on short axillary shoots
- Bark of deciduous shrub is aromatic when bruised
- Flowers are fruit-scented
- Leaves are opposite, grey-green & pubescent underneath
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Relatively pest and disease free.
FAQs
Golden-yellow fall color of sweetshrub foliage. Plants grow at a moderate rate of 12 to 18 inches per year under ideal growing conditions of deep, moist, loamy soil and with partial shade. Growth rate will be much slower in dry soil and full sun.
What is Calycanthus floridus used for? ›
It is used in horticulture as the flowers are showy and fragrant. The bark of the plant is edible and is reportedly used as a substitute for cinnamon. The petals of the flower are also reportedly used in medicinal tea-making. Strong caution is advised however, as an alkaloid in the plant may lead to heart convulsions.
How do you care for a sweetshrub? ›
It will tolerate moist to well-drained soils, partial shade to sun, and can be planted on the west, south or east side of buildings. It is easy to grow, a low maintenance shrub, with no known pests or diseases, and is drought tolerant.
Is sweetshrub invasive? ›
Is sweetshrub invasive? This shrub spreads by root suckers, but is not considered invasive. Keep plants from spreading by cutting back outer roots as they emerge.
Is Carolina allspice fast growing? ›
Carolina allspice is considered an easy to grow, low maintenance shrub. The shrub grows at a moderate rate of 12 to 18 inches per year under moist and partially shady growing conditions, and considerably slower with drier soil and full sun.
Where is the best place to plant sweetshrubs? ›
Sweetshrub prefers fertile, medium moisture, well drain soils in full sun to part shade. They can tolerate clay or somewhat wet soils. Remove basal shoots if propagation is not desired. It is recommended to plant these shrubs near structures or in area that the fragrance can be enjoyed.
Can spicebush take full sun? ›
In the wild, spicebush is usually found in the shady understory of woodlands; however, it can grow in a range of light conditions including full sun. If planted in a location with full sun, the growth will be denser and less vigorous but with better flowering and fruit production.
Does Calycanthus need full sun? ›
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, including clay, but prefers rich loams.
Do Calycanthus like sun or shade? ›
It prefers some shade in hot summer afternoons and it will grow lankier and less dense in shade than in sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and pH but prefers rich loams. Plant it 3 to 5 feet from other shrubs to give it adequate room to grow.
Can Sweetshrub be pruned? ›
For the most part, sweetshrubs are pest free and easy to grow. Plants will sucker in time and spread limitedly. Older plants may become somewhat leggy and are easily rejuvenated by pruning back to ground level.
LGS Notes: Sweetshrub is a deer resistant full shade shrub with deep red/purple blooms in Spring. The blooms have a fragrant scent and have a beautiful, unique strappy petal.
Should I prune sweet pepperbush? ›
Trim back the overreaching branches. Coastal Sweet Pepperbush can be pruned into a hedge. Pruning over reaching branches helps maintain this shape.
Is Spicebush toxic to dogs? ›
Some common native plants that are safe for pets include: Wildflowers such as black-eyed susans, coneflowers, goldenrods, and asters. Grasses such as switchgrass, little bluestem, and prairie dropseed. Shrubs such as serviceberry, elderberry, and spicebush.
Can you eat Carolina Allspice? ›
It produces an edible and delicious spice. Snip off twigs and allow them to dry out in the sun or a low oven, then smash up the bark and use like cinnamon. Any drawbacks? The flowers and seeds are poisonous.
Is sweetshrub poisonous? ›
Special Features: North American native, Fragrant foliage, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Wetlands plant, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 9 through 1.
Does sweet viburnum grow fast? ›
Sweet Viburnum grows quickly in full sun or partial shade on a wide variety of soils. It is tolerant to drought, holding up very well in unirrigated landscapes once established. Relatively maintenance-free, Sweet Viburnum grown as a tree will require pruning to control size and shape.
Does spicebush grow fast? ›
Spicebush is a fast-growing deciduous shrub. It has a broad, rounded habit and grows 6 to 12 feet high and wide. In the wild, spicebush is usually found in the shady understory of woodlands; however, it can grow in a range of light conditions including full sun.
How long does it take spicebush to grow? ›
Growth rate of our plants has been a foot or more per year when young. Two to three foot tall plants typically grow 9-11 feet tall in six years. Also, for such plants fruiting has begun during the first three to six years.
How do you make sweet viburnum grow faster? ›
Immediately after planting deep soak the soil in the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, you can water your newly planted Viburnum with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development.
