Californian allspice
Calycanthus occidentalis
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 12 feet tall6 to 12 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Dark red to purplish brown
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Californian allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a shrub for borders, hedges, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist soil of most types. It grows as a mound of glossy, aromatic, dark-green leaves. The dark red flowers are not fragrant. Leaves can burn if the site is too dry.
Pairs well with Bush honeysuckle, Black chokeberry, Ostrich fern, and Golden club.
Native range
Southwestern United States.