Overview

Lindera sericea is a plant with a bushy, spreading branched habit in the genus Lindera, part of the Lauraceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. Lindera sericea grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and hedging and screens.

About

Lindera sericea is a well-branched, spreading shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae) with leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous. It favours partial shade and a sheltered position. Plant in moist but well-drained acid loam or sandy soils. It flowers in March to April.

About the genus

Lindera is a genus of about 80–100 species of flowering plants in the family Lauraceae, mostly native to eastern Asia but with three species in eastern North America. The species are shrubs and small trees; common names include spicewood, spicebush, and Benjamin bush.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lindera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lindera

In the garden

A member of the laurel family (Lauraceae), Lindera sericea forms a spreading, well-branched shrub whose foliage may be either evergreen or deciduous. The genus placement and habit make it suitable where a compact screen or multi-stemmed shrub is required without a large tree form. Position it in partial shade on east-, north- or west-facing sites where wind exposure is limited. Soil should be acid and kept moist but well drained; both loam and sand are acceptable substrates if drainage and moisture are balanced. The plant’s hardiness rating H4 (average) means it will establish across much of the UK provided it has some shelter from the worst exposure. Use Lindera sericea in city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal layouts, or as hedging and screening where a moderate, spreading shrub fits the space. Choose a sheltered spot close to walls or taller planting to reduce wind stress and to keep soil moisture steadier through drier spells. Expect its early-season flowers in March to April, which arrive before the main season of many summer-flowering shrubs.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lindera

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Lindera sericea size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Bushy, Spreading branched

Foliage

Evergreen, Deciduous

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lindera sericea

Propagation

Seed, Greenwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions