Sweet Shrub - Carolina Allspice or Calycanthus floridus

Bareroot plant

The Sweet Shrub, also known as Carolina Allspice or Calycanthus floridus, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. Here's a detailed description along with planting instructions:

Description:
Appearance: The Sweet Shrub is a medium-sized shrub that typically grows 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) tall and wide, though it can occasionally reach heights of up to 12 feet (3.7 meters). It has a rounded to spreading growth habit with multiple stems.
Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate to elliptical in shape, with smooth margins. They are medium green in color and turn shades of yellow or golden brown in the fall before dropping.
Flowers: The Sweet Shrub produces unique, fragrant flowers that are maroon to reddish-brown in color and have a spicy, fruity fragrance reminiscent of strawberries or bananas. The flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are typically 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) across.
Fruit: After flowering, the Sweet Shrub develops small, brown to reddish-brown, urn-shaped seed capsules that persist through the fall and into winter. While not particularly ornamental, these capsules add interest to the plant.
Planting Instructions:
Climate and Location:

The Sweet Shrub is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It is commonly found in woodlands, along stream banks, and in other partially shaded areas.
Choose a planting location that receives partial shade to full sun. While the Sweet Shrub can tolerate shade, it typically flowers more profusely in sunnier locations.
Soil Preparation:

Before planting, prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure.
The Sweet Shrub prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH of the soil and make any necessary adjustments.
Planting the Shrubs:

Plant Sweet Shrub shrubs in the early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are moderate.
Dig a hole that is slightly wider and just as deep as the root ball of the plant.
Gently remove the shrub from its container or loosen the roots if it's a bare-root plant.
Place the shrub in the center of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to remove air pockets.
Water the shrub thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Spacing:

Space Sweet Shrub shrubs about 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) apart to allow room for growth and airflow between plants.
Mulching and Watering:

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the shrub to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
Water the shrubs regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pay attention to soil moisture levels, particularly during the first growing season after planting, to ensure the shrub becomes established.
Pruning and Maintenance:

The Sweet Shrub typically requires minimal pruning. You can prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain a tidy shape.
Fertilization is generally not necessary, as the Sweet Shrub is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, if the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Wildlife Attraction:

The Sweet Shrub is attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its fragrant flowers. While the seed capsules are not particularly ornamental, they may provide food for birds and other wildlife.
By following these planting instructions and providing proper care, you can successfully grow Sweet Shrub shrubs and enjoy their unique flowers, attractive foliage, and sweet fragrance in your landscape.