Calycanthus Species, Carolina Allspice, Eastern Sweetshrub, Florida Spice Bush, Strawberry Shrub
Calycanthus floridus
Family: | Calycanthaceae |
Genus: | Calycanthus (kal-ee-KAN-thus) (Info) |
Species: | floridus (FLOR-id-us) (Info) |

Category:
Herbs
Shrubs
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Partial to Full Shade
Foliage:
Shiny/Glossy
This plant is resistant to deer
Foliage Color:
Medium Green
Height:
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing:
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Where to Grow:
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Danger:
Seed is poisonous if ingested
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Maroon/Burgundy
Brown/Bronze
Bloom Characteristics:
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing the rootball
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From hardwood cuttings
Seed Collecting:
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Atmore, Alabama
Bessemer, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Gardendale, Alabama
Hazel Green, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Jones, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Pelham, Alabama
Perote, Alabama
Little Rock, Arkansas
Morrilton, Arkansas
Eureka, California
Fullerton, California
Stockton, California
Tulare, California
Denver, Colorado
New Haven, Connecticut
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Cantonment, Florida
Dunnellon, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fountain, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Jay, Florida
Mount Dora, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Atlanta, Georgia
Barnesville, Georgia
Braselton, Georgia
Dalton, Georgia
Decatur, Georgia
Ellabell, Georgia
Fitzgerald, Georgia
Hoboken, Georgia
Marietta, Georgia
Peachtree City, Georgia
Rome, Georgia(2 reports)
Villa Rica, Georgia
Machesney Park, Illinois
Waukegan, Illinois
Greenville, Indiana
Barbourville, Kentucky
Clermont, Kentucky
Georgetown, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky(2 reports)
Jarreau, Louisiana
Zachary, Louisiana
Buckfield, Maine
Pownal, Maine
Halethorpe, Maryland
Millersville, Maryland
Amherst, Massachusetts
Taunton, Massachusetts
Wrentham, Massachusetts
Remus, Michigan
Stevensville, Michigan
Albany, Minnesota
Glenwood, Minnesota
Winona, Minnesota
Lucedale, Mississippi
Magnolia, Mississippi
Mathiston, Mississippi
Ava, Missouri
Goodman, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska
Claremont, New Hampshire
Greenfield, New Hampshire
Bridgeton, New Jersey
Whiting, New Jersey
Fairport, New York
Himrod, New York
New York City, New York
Sag Harbor, New York
Syracuse, New York
Warwick, New York
Asheville, North Carolina
Battleboro, North Carolina
Beaufort, North Carolina(2 reports)
Belmont, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Durham, North Carolina
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hillsborough, North Carolina
Nebo, North Carolina
Parkton, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Trinity, North Carolina
Williamston, North Carolina
Columbus, Ohio
North Lima, Ohio
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Harrah, Oklahoma
Tangent, Oregon
WALTERVILLE, Oregon
Apollo, Pennsylvania
Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Glenmoore, Pennsylvania
Mountain Top, Pennsylvania
Norristown, Pennsylvania(2 reports)
Sharon, Pennsylvania
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Charleston, South Carolina(2 reports)
Columbia, South Carolina
Conway, South Carolina
North Augusta, South Carolina
Okatie, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina(2 reports)
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Summerville, South Carolina
Sumter, South Carolina
Bristol, Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Church Hill, Tennessee
Elizabethton, Tennessee(2 reports)
Greenback, Tennessee
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Johnson City, Tennessee
Ooltewah, Tennessee
Toone, Tennessee
Austin, Texas
Belton, Texas
Richmond, Texas
Tomball, Texas
Tyler, Texas
Logan, Utah
Arlington, Virginia(2 reports)
Callao, Virginia
Dublin, Virginia
Galax, Virginia
Great Falls, Virginia
Hurt, Virginia
Leesburg, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia
Mechanicsville, Virginia
Stafford, Virginia
Suffolk, Virginia
Woodbridge, Virginia
Bellevue, Washington
Concrete, Washington
Hazel Dell North, Washington
Lake Shore, Washington
Orma, West Virginia
Pulaski, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | On Apr 13, 2022, rcpet from Henderson, KY wrote: I live in Ky This was a mature bush when we moved to our home in 1979 at that time it was a good size with lots of shade after removal of a tree we began to cut it back every year. I never knew what it was called, my children called it the strawberry bush because of the wonderful smell we have enjoyed the smell for many years |
Positive | On Aug 27, 2020, Clint07 from Bethlehem, PA wrote: In the 3 years I've had it, it's done well in my Zone 6, part shade lot: full of beautiful dark red blossoms and large, handsome leaves. It tends to sprawl, so I prune it to keep it to a size appropriate for the spot. It's starting to sucker, so I may just let it multiply. |
Positive | On May 19, 2018, Imaredhead946 from Flowery Branch, GA wrote: I have a 2+ acre wooded lot with mostly hardwoods. It seems periodically over the years I find something new that I've not noticed or hasn't been here before (thanks to the birds). Four years ago I discovered sweet shrub growing and blooming in the woods 10 to 15 feet from my driveway. Every year since then, I've not been able to find it blooming. It just hasn't bloomed again. Today, I noticed a couple blooms in a different spot closer to the edge of my driveway instead of in the woods but the blooms have no aroma and the color is more on the side of deep pink instead of deep maroon like the ones I originally found a few years ago. Maybe because the new ones get more sun? I don't know but I would love to know why the ones I found a few years ago haven't bloomed again. There seems to b... read more |
Positive | On Apr 12, 2018, Afwifey from Sumter, SC wrote: Found this growing beautifully in our yard without special watering/light measures taken. The blossoms are very nice and the foliage is as well. I am going to try and grow a cutting for my front yard! |
Positive | On Jul 28, 2016, ruthlkoontz from Halethorpe, MD wrote: I have one of these bushes growing in my yard in Baltimore Md. When I bought my home in 1992, my neighbor explained that the woman that originally owned the home brought 2 of them back from Georgia from her sisters home, and planted one in her yard (mine) and gave one to the neighbor. The neighbor's plant did not survive. The neighbor explained that the buds were used often for sachets for dresser drawers, and that is exactly what I used them for. Now my son owns the home, and the bush is still there. |
Positive | On Aug 13, 2015, FlyPoison from Rock Hill, SC (Zone 7a) wrote: Sweet Shrub as I prefer to call it is one of my favorite blooming bushes. I absolutely love the sweet aroma whether I'm far away or up close. Their fall color here is quite nice as they turn a very intense shade of yellow. The only problem I've had is drought stress and it's been brutal this summer. I've kept most healthy but some have already begun to shed leaves and it's only mid-August. |
Positive | On Jun 25, 2015, purbl from Cortland, OH wrote: My grandparents had one of these bushes at the end of the driveway. A lot of people are describing the scent as rotten apples. I always thought it smelled strongly of bubblegum. My family always called it the bubblegum bush. It took me a while to figure out what kind of bush it actually was. If one tried to smell the flowers up close, the smell was not as pleasant, but it put off a strong scent of sweet bubblegum if you just stood next to it. I loved that bush. Yes, the flowers are very dark, but I enjoyed looking at them and did not have as much trouble seeing them as many people are stating. I only saw one Ohio listing on the list of places this bush has been known to grow. My grandparents lived in the greater Youngstown, OH area. The bush was always full and healthy. I don't recall it b... read more |
Positive | On May 29, 2015, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: I grew up with one. I think the merits are overrated. The flowers are such a dark color that they are hard to see except close up. The hybrids with C. chinensis (like 'Hartlege Wine' , 'Venus', and 'Aphrodite') are much showier, with larger flowers and a brighter color. Unfortunately, the hybrids are not fragrant. |
Neutral | On May 29, 2015, crobles04 from Tomball, TX wrote: Attempted to grow a few years ago from 1-2 yr old plant, in a suitable location with morning sun afternoon shade. It survived two winters but it never thrived. I believe these cannot survive because of the humidity and heat of Houston. |
Positive | On Jun 2, 2014, bobbieberecz from Concrete, WA wrote: Not sure whether to rate this a neutral or positive. I have two plants that get partial sun and mostly shade. Both are in very fast draining soil. One gets a few hours of morning sun the other just an hour or two of hot afternoon sun. Both have leafed out beautifully with plenty of blossoms. Why neutral? At the nursery I literally followed my nose to the shrub that was perfuming the air from quite a distance away. I was so intoxicated I bought 2 plants on the spot, though I was told I would have a grove quickly if I didn't keep on top of the suckering. My plants both smell like sour rotting apples....not at all spicy. The second reason for neutral is that it is a nice green bush but the dark flowers can ONLY be seen up close. This is a good bush for one of those winding garden pa... read more |
Positive | On Apr 2, 2014, _emily_rose from Chattanooga , TN (Zone 7b) wrote: I have a 'thicket' of Carolina Allspice near the edge of my woods. These are either wild, or descendants of plants that would have been set out in the 1960s. They are in quite a bit of shade, but grow to about 6 feet tall, and cover about a 20 foot wide area. I am considering transplanting a small number of them into a shade garden I am developing. |
Positive | On Sep 16, 2013, cargarden from Goodview, MN wrote: Live in Winona, Mn zone 4 but getting warmer each year except for last year. I have 3 Sweet shrubs and found out where you get them desides on the size of flower at least in my case and the flowers really don't have too much of a fraqrance but the leaves and stem do (strong). Wish the flowers did, I have the white, and the maroon from White Farm which are a larger flower and a maroon from Spring Hill with a smaller flower. I am confused on should they be in full sun or shade as different places call for either, They are in full sun and also have one in part shade. How do you get them so you get the fragrance so you can smell with out breaking the wood. Have a few dogs next door to us and that is why I got them because they say it freshes the air. As you know what dogs do if the extremitie... read more |
Positive | On Jun 27, 2013, flutterby267 from Taunton, MA wrote: We have one of these on the property that my grandparents planted. It's over 50 years old, planted in almost full sun. There is the remnant (suckers, I can't get my mother to let me replace it), of a quince next to it that gives it some shade in the middle of the day. It still blooms like a champ in late spring with plenty of seed pods to follow. |
Positive | On May 19, 2013, whipporwill from Middlebury, IN wrote: My sweet shrub is growing(and scenting) nicely in Northern Indiana. It has been divided several times. It was transported from my childhood home in the Shenandoah Valley of VA. and doing well in Elkhart Co. IN. A great conversation plant and deer don't bother it! |
Negative | On Sep 8, 2012, Samamfee from Rome, GA wrote: I got some seeds of this plant. But I read here that the seeds will not grow here. So I'm back at square one or I need to buy the friggen bush instead. |
Neutral | On Jun 3, 2012, countrylife4me from Beargrass, NC wrote: I have a question. My Sweet Betsy bush has never flowered. I moved it and put it in a pot where it has been for a couple of years now. Any suggestions as to what to do for it? I live on a wooded lot with very little sunshine. |
Neutral | On Apr 15, 2012, Brckfield from Hazel Dell North, WA wrote: My sweet shrub is growing beautifully, however, there is no fragrance. I live in WA state. |
Neutral | On May 26, 2011, joylederman from Dover, PA wrote: I have a question about Sweet Shrub. This is often listed as a plant attractive to birds & wildlife (in fact, I just got one from Tractor Supply, specifically sold as "Plants for Birds & Wildlife"). What is the feature of the plant that the critters like? Do birds eat the seedheads? Just wondering. |
Positive | On May 20, 2011, JMCDawg from Statesboro, GA wrote: My Parents had Sweet Scrub planted outside bedroom window. It was always so good waking up with this sweet aroma in the air. Daddy would keep several blooms in his shirt pockets and pass them out at church. They are both gone now. Daddy passed this past November at the age of 98. There anniversary would have been May 5. I fill a vase with cuttings and put at the cemetary. I could sense there smile. |
Neutral | On May 4, 2011, mentinsel from BREST, Hi from FRANCE |
Positive | On Feb 21, 2011, daisys_tia from Battleboro, NC wrote: My grandparents lived in a small town in NC and they had, as my Granny called it, " a Sweet Betsy Bush." This bush would be in bloom by mid spring and seemed like it would bloom through the summer. As kids playing and Granny watching us from her porch swing she would tell us to brush by the bush or pinch one so we could smell the sweet aroma as we played. This brings back such sweet memories of times gone by. As I remember, it was a hardy bush and all of us grandchildren loved to pick a blossom and smell it all day. The more you pinched it the better it smelled. For everyone that has one of the shrubs, I hope it brings great memories to you as well. I plan on planting some by my front porch so my grandchildren can have this wonderful experience also!! |
Neutral | On Feb 13, 2011, RosemaryK from Lexington, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: Wow! I can't wait to smell one. These are the cultivars listed In Dirr's Hardy Shrubs and Trees: 'Athens' or 'Katherine': a deliciously fragrant yellow flowered clone with heavier textured dard green leaves that turn golden yellow in autum; 'Edith Wilder': like the specieis but with guaranteed floral fragrance; 'Michael Lindsey': fragrant maroon flowers and spinach colored leaves on a more compact framework. I have also looked over the hybrids with the Chinese plant such as 'Hartlage Wine,' and although they sound great in looks, one can't expect them to inherit the fragrance of our American species. Now the job is to wait and smell some in bloom in order to choose. My local New England nurseries claim they sell them out every year. |
Positive | On Nov 8, 2010, Pelfrey1 from Ooltewah, TN wrote: Having grown up with Sweet Shrubs in the South, while some find them invasive, I love having them around. They grow in most any soil, even the clay-chirt mixture of the south-TN area where I now live. I did come by a rather unusual green-flowered form with an intense fragrance that wafts through the entire garden in summer evenings. It has viable seed pods and I'm presently raising seedlings. Can't wait to see how it grows! |
Positive | On Nov 8, 2010, burien_gardener from Burien (SW Seattle), WA (Zone 8b) wrote: I have a large spice bush in my south Seattle, Puget Sound garden. It does take a gardener to appreciate the flowers as it is not showy. However, I've seen White Flower Farm (?) offer a variety or hybrid with large white camellia-like flowers. |
Positive | On Nov 8, 2010, shannon2299 from Owen Sound, Hi : I live in Owen Sound, Ontario,Canada...we have a Carolina Allspice in our back yard, it is about 30 years old now...My mother brought home a cutting from BC. Canada from my cousins...It stands around 10 feet now...One problem..I have tried to start a new plant. from softwood, and hardwood cuttings...It does not produce seed pods in the fall..can anyone tell me how come it does not produce seeds pods..I have had no luck starting new plants...I could use some advise...Thanks Shannon |
Positive | On Jun 25, 2010, GardenSite from Woodbridge, VA wrote: My "bubby-rose" as grandma called it, grew from a seed pod off a huge old bush at my grandmothers house in Pulaski, VA. This is its 12th year and did it ever blossom. I counted 37 blossoms while previous years have ranged from 0 to 3. And oh they smell so good... It has survived 4 in-state moves, various containers and at 3ft tall is the heartiest it has been. |
Positive | On May 7, 2010, gonedutch from Fairport, NY wrote: I read from comments here that the scent of the flowers reminds readers of applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg. My olfactory association is with baked pineapple upside-down cake. The crushed foliage and bark have a more pungent scent still. I find the dozen or so plants in my garden grow well but individual stems are short-lived; about four years. I thin out the old growth each season and find that new growth comes back more vigorously. Here in north-western NY the maximum height of the shrub is about five feet. It grows equally vigorously in sun and shade. And it tolerates growing near Black Walnut trees; an added benefit in our area where squirrels have spread walnut trees all over residential gardens. |
Positive | On Apr 8, 2010, totheMax from Easton, MD wrote: When I first moved to my husbands family home in Starr on Maryland's Eastern Shore, there was a very old Carolina Allspice there. It had been planted some 50 years prior by my husband's grandmother. It was nestled in an eastern corner of our old farmhouse, watered by rain that ran off of the un-guttered roof. It was as large as an elephant, and smelled heavenly of strawberries and melon, sometimes banana! When we tore down the old house, we had an excavator dig up the large plant and move it to another part of our yard....where it languished in somewhat declining form for a few years. We moved to Easton Md. bringing with us a much smaller portion of the shrub bush. This new portion was only large enough to fit into a child's bucket, yet in the last two years it is thriving once again. L... read more |
Negative | On Dec 17, 2009, vossner from East Texas, My carolina allspice is still in the "stick" phase. Young plants need winter protection the first year. |
Positive | On Dec 17, 2009, zanlpn from Bristol, TN wrote: I have a Sweet Shrub in my backyard from the home where I grew up. (Grew up and live in Upper East TN). I got a 2' "stick" 8 yrs ago from that home and it is now about 8' tall and doing wonderfully well. Maroon flowers with the strawberry aroma. Not real invasive but does multiply. This is from stock that is 60+ years old. Wouldn't trade it for anything! Is in full sun most of the day and is partially shaded by a pine tree. It only gets watered when it rains. Would recommend this plant to anyone who wants an old fashioned plant with a lovely scent. |
Positive | On Jul 20, 2009, Jo_Ann610 from Norristown, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: This plant was growing in full sun in the back yard of the house I bought in Norristown, PA in 2003. It has done very well, considering most sources say it should grow in partial to full shade. I do love the smell of the flowers. |
Neutral | On Nov 16, 2008, SantaRosaGal from Jay, FL wrote: 8b Santa Rosa County, FL |
Positive | On Apr 6, 2008, dee_cee from Birmingham, AL (Zone 7b) wrote: My grandmother had one of these at the side of her house when I was a kid & I always loved the smell. I was delighted to discover one growing in my back yard among a clump of althea when I bought this place a few years ago. I cut the althea back to give it room & it has gotten bigger & produces more flowers each year. |
Positive | On Nov 24, 2007, kristywins from Raleigh, NC wrote: Re: Poisonous plant claim |
Positive | On Feb 6, 2006, dirtybirdie from Union City, TN wrote: I have a Sweet Shrub growing in my front yard. It was planted in 1942 & still going strong. I let it get quiet big, about 25 feet around , then trim it back a bit. My front yard joins the hiway & this shrub is really an attention getter. Have had many quirys about it. It's in full sun & fairly hard dirt, so guess they would survive about anywhere. |
Positive | On Jan 31, 2006, ppatnaude from Amherst, MA (Zone 5a) wrote: Grows Well In Amherst MA one other interesting aspect to this plant is it's seed pod. |
Positive | On Dec 30, 2005, escambiaguy from Atmore, AL (Zone 8b) wrote: My great grandmother used to live on the same land that I do today and while she died before I was born, my mom has told me stories about about how she would wrap the blooms in a hankerchief and take them to church with her. She would smell them while sitting in church. It is a very long lived plant. Mine is over 40 years old. The only negative comment about the plant is that it spreads like crazy. I have to constantly prune the suckers. If left alone you will have a yard full of sweetshrub. |
Positive | On Mar 22, 2005, Peachdumplin wrote: I relocated from New York to SC some 15 years ago. In our yard off the back deck was a shrub, which my grand mother, who was a native to this area, called a "Sweet Bubby Bush". |
Positive | On Oct 20, 2004, carrieebryan from Midland, WA (Zone 8a) wrote: My parents' house in College Park, MD had this and also I grew it in West Allis, WI. We called it "applesauce bush" because it smells exactly like warm cinnamon-flavored applesauce. In my 30-year plan I intend to add it to my garden in Independence, MO and am looking forward to it eagerly! |
Positive | On Sep 27, 2004, WendyAloha from Beaverton, OR wrote: I have just purchased my first Sweet Betsy bush and am hoping for a happy shrub here in Oregon. I was inspired by my father-in-law who reminisced so charmingly about young girls carrying the buds (I'm not sure if by that he meant the flowers or the seed pods, since both are supposed to be fragrant) in their handkerchiefs tucked in a warm spot (I'll bet that's why it's called 'bubby bush' or 'bosom bush') as a substitute for the perfume they couldn't afford or weren't allowed to wear back in Depression-era North Carolina. I'm dying for a whiff, so hope it is happy on my north facing wooded hillside! |
Positive | On Jun 18, 2004, Charleen43 from Claremont, NH wrote: We just cut down an old rotting non-blooming lilac in our back yard and discovered this plant in full bloom hiding amongst the "runners" of the lilac tree. What a surpise! We only moved into this house last Christmas so we had no clue what was growing around the house until this spring when all the snow was gone. I asked several of my sibling "master" gardeners and my Mom who knows every plant from New England just about and she had never seen or smelt anything like it...nor had anyone else. Tomorrow I was going to take a slip of it to the local nursery, BUT today I was thumbing through my shade gardening books and there was the allspice shrub staring me in the face. Again, Wow what a surprise and what a specimen. |
Neutral | On May 29, 2004, spaceman_spiff from Saint Petersburg, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I have also heard the name "bubby" associated with this plant. My grandmother had one in her yard in Boone County, West Virginia, and always called it a "bubby rose." My aunt there had one, too, and I have seen it in several places in that area of West Virginia. |
Positive | On May 13, 2004, mommas_angels from Elizabethton, TN wrote: I live in the tri-cities area of Northeast Tennessee, this plant is not only known as the sweet shrub bush, it is also called "bubby bush". I was introduced to this plant by my mother-in-law. My brother-in-law gave me 2 starts of this bush and when ever I move I always take 2 starts of this plant with me. No, I have not moved across state lines with it and I would be completely devastated if ever I had to leave it behind. I enjoy the fragrance that blows into my home each spring and early summer as it blooms. I feel that everyone who enjoys the sweet smell of cinnamon. |
Positive | On Oct 3, 2003, samkar from Lake Lure, NC wrote: Attractive, intriging - brown flowers have a scent of ripe apples. Wood and leaves have a scent of camphor, and bark similar to cinnamon. |
Positive | On Jun 2, 2003, patp from Summerville, SC (Zone 8a) wrote: I know this plant as Carolina allspice; other names are sweetshrub and strawberry shrub. Grows vigorously in shade or semi-shade. Soil ranges from acid to neutral. Native in rich moist woodlands; colonizes to form thickets. Grows 6-8 ft high. It's been called 'bosom' plant because the lady of the house would pluck the blossoms to put in her bosom when going out on the town. |
Positive | On Jan 10, 2003, lupinelover from Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: Although this shrub is very easily started from seed, the fragrance varies from slight to heavy from seed-grown plants. The best way to ensure you get one that is nicely fragrant is to get a rooted cutting or sucker from a known plant. |
Neutral | On Jul 19, 2001, darius from So.App.Mtns., Sweet shrub grows 6-9' tall x 6-12' spread, often by suckers (which transplant easily). Flowers in May-June, with reddish-maroon flowers, but some var. have chartreuse flowers, and some have white flowers. The native shrubs found in the Smokey Mountains have reddish-maroon flowers. The bark was widely used in the mountains as a substitute for allspice. |
Neutral | On Jul 19, 2001, tiG from Newnan, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: Seeds may be sown in containers of sandy loam in March or April. Plants may be divided in the spring. Cuttings can also be taken in July and inserted in sandy soil in a propagating case in a greenhouse or frame. |