Alphabetical Plant Listing

Calycanthus occidentalis (Californian Allspice)

Californian Allspice, Calycanthus macrophyllus


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.

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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

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Peganum, Endless Autumn (Flickr), David.Morgan (Shutterstock)

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


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

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