Calycanthus floridus
“Carolina Allspice”

Photo by Almandine

Heavenly strawberry-banana-scented 2” lotus-shaped flowers in Spring! This eastern cousin of our California native “Allspice Bush” (C. occidentalis) displays many of the same appealing qualities as the western species – vigorous growth, aromatic glossy leaves, lotus-like reddish-brown flowers and an ability to adapt to many planting locations. Winter deciduous, the spicy-scented 4-6” leathery leaves emerge in Spring, quickly forming a rounded 6-10’ high and wide multi-branching shrub. Adaptable to a variety of soils, it sends down suckers to search for moisture. Ideally, plant in moist but well-drained soil in light shade or filtered sun. Top dress with mulch in Winter. Prune to shape. Disease and deer resistant. Tolerates occasional flooding.