Calycanthus
Allspice, Spice bush
Also known as Sinocalycanthus
- Height × spread
- 2m – 3.5m × 2m – 3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The allspice are a select group of six species of medium to large deciduous shrub. These generally have aromatic foliage with leaves that emit a fragrance sometimes called balm, sometimes camphor, opinions differ. The flowers of some forms are also fragrant. Although not freely borne the flowers in pink, cream, red and white shades look somewhat like small informal water lilies and charm the eye. They prefer neutral to acid soil that is moist, and thrive in sheltered positions.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Cube, Dome
- Height
- 2m – 3.5m
- Spread
- 2m – 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune hard to the base
Prune back to within 30cm to 45cm of the plant base so that the year's growth will begin from this low framework. If you want the plant to grow larger, this need only be done every few years.