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

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