About
Lindera benzoin, the spicebush, is a deciduous, rounded shrub to 3 m with upright branches and aromatic, oval-shaped, dark-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Tiny, star-shaped, yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries on female plants. A rewarding and aromatic shrub for a sheltered, moist, woodland border or wildlife garden.
About the genus
Lindera are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs with aromatic leaves and small, star-shaped, dioecious flowers in axillary umbels in spring, followed on pollinated female plants by glossy berries. Grown for their aromatic foliage and autumn colour.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by greenwood cuttings in early summer or sow seed in a coldframe/sheltered place in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free