The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Carolina allspice

Calycanthus floridus

kal-ih-CAN-thus FLOOR-ih-dus Audio

This deciduous shrub has a dense, rounded habit, growing 6 to 9 feet tall and as wide. Its unusual, waterlily-like, fragrant flowers combine the scent of strawberries, banana, and pineapple. Flowers appear in May and continuing blooming on and off into June and July. The dark green leaves and bark release a clove or camphor-like scent when crushed.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsHighly adaptable to many soil types and grows in sun or shade, though it blooms more when grown in full sun. Native from Virginia to Florida.

CareGrow in full sun or part shade (in warmer climates) and moist, fertile, organically rich soil.

PropagationRoot softwood cuttings in summer or remove suckers in spring.

ProblemsFungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and dieback.

  • Genus : Calycanthus
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Interesting Bark
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Flower Color : Red
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Spring, Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide