Calycanthus floridus: Carolina Allspice with Fragrant Flowers

Calycanthus floridus – Sweet-Scented Native Shrub

Carolina allspice is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub 6–9 feet tall and wide. Unusual waterlily-like flowers combine scents of strawberry, banana, and pineapple, blooming May through July. Dark green leaves and bark release clove/camphor scent when crushed.

Adaptability & Care

Highly adaptable to many soils, grows in sun or shade (blooms more in full sun). Native from Virginia to Florida. Grow in full sun or part shade (warmer climates) with moist, fertile, organically rich soil. Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or suckers in spring. Pests: fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, dieback.

Key Features

• Height/Spread: 6–10 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Bloom: Spring to summer (red)
• Features: Fragrant flowers & foliage, interesting bark, native, attracts birds