How to Grow Calycanthus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Calycanthus is a plant that is native to eastern north america. it is a member of the family calycanthaceae, which contains only one other genus, calycanthus. the plant is also known as the sweet-scented, sweet-smelling, or spicebush. calycanthus has a long history of use by humans, both as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties.

How to Grow Calycanthus - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Spicebush
  • Allspice
  • Clove
  • Nutmeg
  • Bayberry

Common Knowledge

  • Calycanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Calycanthaceae, native to eastern North America.
  • The genus includes two species: Calycanthus floridus (sweetshrub or Carolina allspice) and Calycanthus occidentalis (spicebush).
  • Calycanthus plants are shrubs or small trees, typically growing to 1–9 m (3–30 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are opposite, simple, entire, and lanceolate to oblong, with a pungent smell when crushed.
  • The flowers are bisexual, with many spirally arranged petals. They are produced in late spring or early summer.
  • The fruit is a follicle, which splits open at maturity to release the seeds.
  • Calycanthus plants are pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles.
  • The genus is named after the Greek kalyx (?????), meaning "cup", and anthos (?????), meaning "flower".
  • Calycanthus plants have been used medicinally by Native Americans and in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Some calycanthus species are grown as ornamental plants.

Related plant:
Calycanthus Venus

Growing Steps

  1. For calycanthus, first step is to choose the planting location. Calycanthus prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
  2. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help retain moisture.
  3. Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the calycanthus root ball.
  4. Place the calycanthus in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, tamping down as you go.
  6. Water the calycanthus deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Mulch around the calycanthus to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  8. Water the calycanthus regularly, especially during dry periods.
  9. Fertilize the calycanthus in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Prune the calycanthus as needed to shape and control growth.

Related plant:
Calycanthus Floridus

Soil Condition

About soil condition, calycanthus like well-drained, rich loamy soil and prefer a location in full sun to partial shade. They are not particular about soil pH, but all prefer consistently moist, well-drained soils.

About light

Like the other plants, calycanthus need sun to grow and produce flowers. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate partial sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, calycanthus will appreciate some afternoon shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of calycanthus is warm. The plant does best in temperatures that are between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive in colder temperatures, but it will not thrive. Calycanthus is not tolerant of heat, and it will not do well in temperatures that are over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. It can tolerate lower humidity but not for prolonged periods. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to dry out and eventually drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a moderate amount. too much fertilizer will result in lots of foliage growth but few flowers. a light fertilizer in early spring is all that is necessary. as for the roots, they are best left undisturbed. transplanting calycanthus is difficult and often results in plant death.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a calycanthus plant. This plant can become quite leggy and overgrown if it is not pruned regularly. When pruning, focus on removing any dead or dying branches. You can also trim back any wayward or overgrown branches.

About Propagating

Propagation of calycanthus is through softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Place the cuttings in a perlite and peat moss mixture and keep moist. Cuttings will root in 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate well in average, moist to dry, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers a deep, rich loam, but will tolerate a wide range of soils. Tolerates light shade, but best flowering and fragrance occur in full sun. Soil must be well-drained. Plants will not tolerate wet soils. Site in locations protected from strong winds.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, powdery mildew, and Verticillium wilt. Canker is a disease that causes the bark of the tree to crack and ooze. Powdery mildew is a fungus that causes the leaves to become covered in a white powder. Verticillium wilt is a disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Tips on Growing

  • If you are planting calycanthus from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  • Calycanthus can be started from cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer.
  • Plant calycanthus in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Calycanthus prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
  • Water calycanthus regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought.
  • Fertilize calycanthus annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune calycanthus plants as needed to control their size and shape.
  • Calycanthus are generally pest and disease free.
  • Deer and other herbivores may browse on calycanthus leaves and flowers.
  • Calycanthus are lovely additions to the

Related Plants

  • Calycanthus praecox
  • Calycophysum
  • Calycophyllum
  • Calycophyllum spruceanum
  • Calycophyllum candidissimum
  • Calycophyllum multiflorum
  • Calycophyllum brasiliense
  • Calycolpus
  • Calycotome
  • Calyptranthes

Source:
Calycanthus floridus: Carolina Allspice - Clemson University
2. CALYCANTHUS Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., ed. 10, 2: 1053, 1066, …
Species: Calycanthus ?oridus - Cornell University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category