Eastern Sweetshrub, Carolina Allspice, Sweet Betsy Calycanthus Floridus Seeds

Eastern Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) Seeds – Carolina Allspice | Sweet Betsy |

Eastern Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), also known as Carolina Allspice or Sweet Betsy, is a highly fragrant, deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is prized for its deep reddish-brown, magnolia-like flowers that release a sweet, fruity fragrance reminiscent of strawberries, bananas, or even pineapple. This low-maintenance shrub adds charm to gardens, borders, and naturalized landscapes while attracting pollinators.

Product Details

• Scientific Name: Calycanthus floridus
• Common Names: Eastern Sweetshrub, Carolina Allspice, Sweet Betsy
• Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Mature Height: 6 to 10 feet
• Spread: 6 to 12 feet
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
• Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 9
• Flower Color: Deep reddish-brown to maroon
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Foliage: Dark green, turns golden-yellow in fall
• Fragrance: Sweet, fruity scent

Why Grow Eastern Sweetshrub?

• Highly Fragrant: Unique, pleasant scent from flowers and crushed leaves
• Ornamental Appeal: Beautiful deep red blooms and lush foliage
• Attracts Pollinators: Beneficial for butterflies, bees, and birds
• Low Maintenance: Resistant to most pests and diseases
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, requires little watering
• Deer Resistant: Less likely to be browsed by deer

How to Grow Eastern Sweetshrub from Seeds

1. Seed Preparation (Stratification Required):
   • Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
   • Cold stratify for 60-90 days by placing seeds in moist sand or peat moss inside a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
2. Planting Depth & Spacing:
   • Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil.
   • Space shrubs 6-10 feet apart for best growth.
3. Optimal Growing Conditions:
   • Prefers partial shade but thrives in full sun with adequate moisture.
   • Ideal soil is rich, loamy, and slightly acidic.
4. Watering & Care:
   • Keep soil evenly moist during germination and establishment.
   • Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
   • Prune after flowering to shape the shrub and remove dead branches.
5. Germination Time:
   • Can take several weeks to a few months, depending on conditions.

Ideal For

• Fragrant garden borders and ornamental plantings
• Cottage gardens and woodland landscapes
• Pollinator-friendly environments
• Low-maintenance hedges and foundation plantings