This native shrub with fragrant spring flowers and yellow fall foliage grows in full sun and partial shade.
It grows to considerable width at a moderate rate, about 12 to 18 inches per year.
This native shrub has multi-seasonal interest.
Its straplike red flowers give way to seed capsules that mature in fall and last through winter.
The shrub is toxic to humans and pets.
It grows both in full sun and part shade and adapts well to different soil types and pH levels.
Since it often grows as an understory shrub in the wild, a woodland setting is ideal.
How and When to Plant Carolina Allspice
Plant the shrub in the spring or fall.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil moist.
Space plants 6 to 12 feet apart.
When grown as a hedge, they can be planted closer together.
Carolina Allspice Care Tips
This robust native shrub requires little care.
Light
Carolina allspice grows in sun, part shade, and filtered shade.
It will grow faster in part shade and slower infull sun.
Good drainage, however, is a must.
After being established, Carolina allspice only needs watering during droughts.
It does not have any particular humidity issues or requirements.
Fertilizer
A one-time system of a tree and shrub fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Alternatively, scatter a few handfuls ofcompostaround the base of the plant every spring.
Pruning
PruneCarolina allspice after it flowers in early summer.
Reducing the stems by one-third of their original length maintains the shrub’s compact, round shape.
It will quickly produce new, compact growth.
Carolina allspice produces lots of suckers at its base.
Cut them back to the ground if you want to prevent the shrub from naturalizing.
Potting and Repotting Carolina Allspice
Carolina allspice is best planted in the landscape.
The size of this shrub does not make it a good candidate for containers.
Pests and Problems
Carolina allspice is not frequently affected by serious pests and diseases.
Late in the season, it may get powdery mildew.
In poorly draining, wet soil, root rot may occur.
Locate the strongest suckers.
If the soil is dry, deeply water before carefully digging out the suckers without damaging the roots.
Dig more than you need as they may not all root.
Replant the suckers in nursery pots filled with potting mix and ensure that the roots are deeply buried.
It blooms in May.
Zone 4-8
Michael Lindsey
Valued for its exceptional fragrance, this cultivar ofCalycanthusfloridushas deep violet-red flowers.
It grows up to 6 to 8 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide.
The foliage is deep green and turns bright yellow in the fall.
The bloom time begins in early summer and lasts for at least a couple of months.
Zone 5-9
Sweetshrub
Calycanthusraulstoniiis a hybrid known under two different names, Raulstons allspice or sweetshrub.
With a mature height and width of 8 to 10 feet, this is a large shrub.
It is slightly less winter-hardy than other allspice varieties.
It has fragrant spring flowers and blazing fall foliage that often persists well into winter.
The gracefully arching stems ofVirginia sweetspirefill the space beneath taller shrubs or small trees.
It is at home in either sun or shade.
The berries hold well into the winter, serving as food for birds.
Some varieties even fade from one color to another as they age.
As the bark of the older stems ages, it peels back in layers, creating an exfoliation effect.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Calycanthus floridus.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
