Lindera obtusiloba

RHS Plant Profile
blunt-lobed spice bush
blunt-lobed spice bush www.gardenworldimages.com

Synonyms

Benzoin obtusilobum

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Shrubs

A large deciduous, dioecious shrub to 6m, with broad leaves mostly three-lobed at the tip, turning bright butter-yellow in the autumn. Small mustard-yellow flowers in clusters on bare branches followed by spherical glossy, red-brown berries on female plants

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lauraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Lindera can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with aromatic leaves and small star-shaped dioecious flowers in axillary umbels in spring followed, on pollinated female plants, by glossy berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Japan, China, Korea

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most fertile, acidic soils in a woodland scenario. Male and female plants need to be grown in order for the female to bear fruit

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or take softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free