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Floridaseeds

Strawberry Shrub Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus 20 Seeds USA Company

Strawberry Shrub Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus 20 Seeds USA Company

Regular price $10.99 USD
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Calycanthus floridus, commonly known as Carolina allspice, eastern sweetshrub, or simply sweetshrub, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Calycanthaceae family.

Carolina allspice typically grows to a height of 1.5-3 meters (5-10 feet) and has a rounded, dense form. The shrub is valued for its aromatic foliage, unique flowers, and ornamental appeal.

The leaves of Calycanthus floridus are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, with smooth margins. They emit a spicy fragrance when crushed. In the fall, the leaves may turn yellow or brown before dropping.

The most distinctive feature of Carolina allspice is its flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are solitary, maroon to reddish-brown in color, and have a camellia-like appearance. They are highly fragrant, emitting a scent reminiscent of strawberries or ripe apples. The flowers are pollinated by beetles rather than bees.

After flowering, Carolina allspice produces brown, urn-shaped fruits that contain small seeds. While the fruits are not particularly showy, they add seasonal interest to the shrub.

Calycanthus floridus is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, and prefers moist, well-drained conditions. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and is relatively low-maintenance once established.

Carolina allspice is often used in gardens and landscapes as a specimen plant, hedge, or border shrub. Its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for adding interest and fragrance to outdoor spaces. Additionally, the dried bark and leaves of Carolina allspice have been used in traditional medicine for their aromatic and astringent properties. Hardy in zones 4-9.


Growing Instructions for the Strawberry Shrub


The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two months. 3. Fill a pot with potting soil. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the base. 4. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 5. Water the container and leave it to drain. 6. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 7. Water the seeds and keep the soil moist but not wet. 8. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.

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