Avant Gardening

Plantaholics Anonymous – Calycanthus floridus

Welcome fellow plant geeks! Looking for a unique plant that your neighbors probably don’t have?!

Sweetshrub is a great deciduous shrub with a slowly suckering habit that is tolerant of a wide range of soil, water and light conditions.

The common names of this plant come from the fragrant flowers, bark, and leaves that can all be dried for use in potpourri.

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Cool Bloom! 

The unique, 2-inch flowers are deep maroon to brown in red in color and last a month or more. Especially in the morning, the flowers have been described to smell of pineapple, banana and strawberry – plant this near a door or patio where it can be enjoyed!

Did you know… 

The aromatic bark can be dried and used as a cinnamon substitute. The leaves contain small quantities of camphor and can be used as an insect repellent, perfume and disinfectant.

Scientific Name: Calycanthus floridus

Common Name: Sweetshrub, Carolina Allspice

Zone: 4-9

Height & Spread: 6-10’

Bloom Time: April-July

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade (grows taller in shade than in sun)