What soil does Carolina allspice grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous, acidic.

Is Carolina allspice hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Carolina allspice toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Carolina allspice be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Carolina allspice need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Carolina allspice cost?

It sells for roughly €42 to €110 in local shops, depending on size.

Carolina allspice

Calycanthus floridus

Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €42.

Illustration of Carolina allspice — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An unusual, dense shrub whose maroon, strap-petalled flowers open from late May into early summer and smell of strawberry and pineapple; the bark and leaves are spicily aromatic too when rubbed. Plant it by a terrace or path in moist but not wet soil in sun or part shade, as it copes poorly with drought. It slowly widens into a clump by root suckers, so remove the ones you do not want, and choose a plant in flower if you can, because the strength of the scent varies from plant to plant. Its similar hybrids Aphrodite and Venus have larger flowers.

Watch out for

Pests and diseases hardly trouble it. It struggles in prolonged drought and on loose sand, so it needs watering in dry spells. Because of its root suckers it eventually takes up more width than you would expect at planting.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.8 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, red

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.8 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1.8–3.6 m × 1–3.6 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €42

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
60-80 cm	approx. €46
125-150 cm	approx. €110
size not stated	approx. €42

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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