Family: Calycanthaceae
Common Name: Allspice

The most conspicuous feature of these hardy, deciduous shrubs from North America is their highly aromatic wood, leaves, bark and flowers. Calycanthus has oval leaves, rough on the surface, and unusual summer flowers, resembling tiny magnolias in shape, in various shades of red or reddish brown. Grow these shrubs in shrub or mixed borders.

Species

C. floridus, Carolina allspice, has broad, oval, glossy, pale green leaves to 12 cm (5 in) and reddish brown flowers. It grows 2-3 m (6-10 ft). This species has a straggling growth pattern and is therefore very suitable for planting near a trellis, fence or wall.

C. occidentalis, Californian allspice, is thespecies most suited to warmer climates. Highly aromatic, it has larger, coarser and more pointed leaves than C. floridus and light brown flowers. It grows to 3.5 m (11 ft).

Cultivation

Plant in late winter or early spring in full sun or partial shade, and in moist, fertile soil that contains plenty of organic matter. Propagate from seed sown in autumn, by layering in spring, or by removing suckers in spring.

Climate

Zone 5 for C. floridus, zone 8 for C. occidentalis.