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.
| 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 | Calycanthaceae |
| Genus | Calycanthus |
| Common names | Sweetshrub |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m) |
| Spread |
6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m) |
| Spacing |
120" - 144" (3m - 3.7m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 |
| 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 | Calycanthaceae |
| Genus | Calycanthus |
| Common names | Sweetshrub |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m) |
| Spread |
6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m) |
| Spacing |
120" - 144" (3m - 3.7m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 |
How many Calycanthus occidentalis (Californian Allspice) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Calycanthus occidentalis (Californian Allspice) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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