Overview
Calycanthus floridus is a bushy shrub in the genus Calycanthus, part of the Calycanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.7 m tall. Calycanthus floridus grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging, borders and woodland gardens. It is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
About
Calycanthus floridus, or commonly known as the eastern sweetshrub, Carolina allspice, or spicebush, is a species of flowering shrub in the family Calycanthaceae. It is identifiable by its dark red flowers and fragrant scent.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calycanthus floridus
About the genus
Calycanthus, called sweetshrub, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Calycanthaceae. The genus includes two to four species depending on taxonomic interpretation; three are accepted by most 21st century sources.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calycanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calycanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calycanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- sheltered
- Exposure
- full sun, partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Calycanthus floridus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.7 m
- Suggested uses
- hedging, borders, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Fragrance
- fragrant flowers with a spicy scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calycanthus floridus
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- seed, semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calycanthus floridus?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Calycanthus floridus?
Calycanthus floridus prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.
What soil does Calycanthus floridus need?
Calycanthus floridus grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Calycanthus floridus?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Calycanthus floridus grow?
Calycanthus floridus reaches a height of 2.7 m.
Is Calycanthus floridus hardy in the UK?
Calycanthus floridus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Calycanthus floridus?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.