Calycanthus occidentalis (Californian Allspice)
Calycanthus occidentalis (Californian Allspice) is a large, upright-rounded, bushy, deciduous shrub boasting fragrant, deep red flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with many strap-shaped petals from late spring to early summer with sporadic blooms until early fall. Resembling waterlily blossoms, each flower lasts only 1 day, but they are produced in great quantities.
Calycanthus occidentalis (Californian Allspice) is a large, upright-rounded, bushy, deciduous shrub boasting fragrant, deep red flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with many strap-shaped petals from late spring to early summer with sporadic blooms until early fall. Resembling waterlily blossoms, each flower lasts only 1 day, but they are produced in great quantities. The fragrance is often described as the aroma of a wine cellar or vinegar. The blossoms give way to capsule-like fruits which persist into winter. The lush and aromatic foliage of large, leathery, dark green, ovate leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), turns an attractive golden-yellow in fall.
- Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall and wide (180-360 cm). Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired.
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy or clay, but prefers rich moist loams.
- Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, foundation plantings, and woodlands.
- No serious insect or disease problems.
- Prune immediately after flowering to keep growth in check and improve overall plant health.
- Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
- Native to the southwestern United States.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Calycanthus – Sweetshrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m) |
Spread | 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m) |
Spacing | 120″ – 144″ (300cm – 360cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |