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Tree Guide

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SweetshrubCalycanthus floridus

  • Sweetshrub - Calycanthus floridus
This fruit-scented shrub is a welcome addition to any garden. Two inch, reddish-maroon flowers bloom in May to July.
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Hardiness Zones

The sweetshrub can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The sweetshrub grows to a height of 6–9' and a spread of 6–12' at maturity.

Growth Speed Slow to Medium Growth Rate

This shrub grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun and partial shade are best for this shrub, meaning it prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The sweetshrub grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy and well-drained soils.

Attributes

This shrub:
  • Typically gives off a strawberry-banana-pineapple scent, though the scent can vary.
  • Produces reddish-maroon flowers that are up to 2" in diameter and have a very fruity fragrance. It blooms May–July.
  • Features dark green leave that are slightly rough to the touch and 2–5" in length.
  • Yields urn-shaped fruit that is leathery, wrinkled, brown and 2–3" long.
  • Grows in an oval shape.

History/Lore

The bark was supposedly used as a substitute for cinnamon in the past. Other common names include Carolina allspice, strawberry-shrub, Bubby blossom, Sweet Bubby, Sweet Betty and spicebush.