Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) is also known as Sweetshrub. It is native to the Eastern United States and is known for its fragrant blossoms in mid to late spring.
The roots and bark also have a scent when injured or rubbed that is similar to camphor.
The flowers are a dark burgundy color and the leaves are deep green that turn light yellow in the fall before dropping off.
It can grow from full sun to full shade and tolerates most any soil type. Though it prefers moist ground and to be positioned in dappled shade as a woodland understory plant.
This shrub can get 8 feet wide and high, so plant it where it can attain its full size and it will not need pruning.
It occasionally sends out root suckers and you can cut those off or dig and pot them up to gift to another gardener.
Carolina allspice is deer-resistant and has no major pests or diseases.
There is also a West Coast species, Calycanthus occidentalis, and a Chinese sweetshrub (Calycanthus chinensis). Popular Calycanthus floridus cultivars and hybrids include ‘Athens’, which has chartreuse flowers; ‘Venus’, which is a compact grower that has white blooms with a banana scent; and, ‘Aphrodite’, which has bright red flowers with a citrus-y fragrance.
Carolina allspice: You Can Grow That!
The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.
Audio, video, and text by Kathy Jentz
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