Calycanthus floridus 'Michael Lindsay'

RHS Plant Profile
Carolina allspice 'Michael Lindsay'
Carolina allspice 'Michael Lindsay' visionspictures.com
Shrubs

A bushy and sometimes suckering deciduous shrub to around 3m high, with oval-shaped, glossy green leaves. Sweetly scented dark red flowers with narrow strappy petals are borne at the ends of short branchlets in late spring or early summer, followed by urn-shaped seed capsules. Leaves turn bright orange and yellow in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Calycanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Calycanthus are deciduous shrubs with simple, aromatic leaves and solitary, fragrant flowers in summer
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, will tolerate light shade but foliage colour and flowering are best in full sun. May suffer from frost damage in very cold winters

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer, by layering in autumn, or by division, removing suckers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering to shape and maintain size. Remove root suckers promptly

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)