Latin name: Calyanthus floridus
Common name: Carolina Allspice
Flowers: Red-brown, showy blooms 12
Fruit: Brown seed capsules, not showy but interesting 12
Height & Width: 10′ x 12’ 12
Type: Perennial 12
Habit: Shrub 12
Wetland indicator category**: FACU 17
Texture: Medium 12
Growth rate: Fast 12
Light: Full sun to part shade 12
Moisture: Medium 12
Soil*: Organically rich loam 12
Zones: 4-9 12
Origin: South Carolina and the southeastern United States 16
Features: An easily maintained plant Carolina Allspice begins to flower in May with fragrant red-brown blooms. Dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall, while seed capsules grow and persist through the winter. This is a very fragrant plant that releases aroma through blooms and the bruising of tissues, such as leaves. Its scent is said to be a mix of pineapple, strawberry, and banana 12.
Siting: Performs ideally in well drained, organically rich, loamy soils. It prefers full sun and in part shade it will typically grow taller reaching for the light. 12
Care: Plant crown at soil level. 18 At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems. 18
Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.
Author: Alexander Smolka
