Sweetshrub Plant

Facts about Sweetshrub plant. "Scientific name for Sweetshrub plant is Calycanthus floridus". The Sweetshrub has attracted a lot of interest from different people. This partially explains why the Sweetshrub plant has so many names such as Carolina allspice, spicebush, sweet bubby, strawberry-bush and sweet Betsy. It derives its value from the sweet fragrance that it produces. The Sweetshrub plant is found on the east coast region of Pennsylvania and also on the northern part of Florida. Research has also shown that it also grows well throughout South Carolina.

Physical Description of the Sweetshrub plant

In terms of height, the Sweetshrubs grow to between 3 and 9 feet (9.1 to 2.74 meters) tall. Usually, the plants that grow in the shade tend to be taller than those that grow in full sun. In cultivation, Sweetshrub plants become dense and broad. They mostly grow in a multi-stem fashion and produce new shoots which make them to spread widely. The wild variety of Sweetshrub plants appears taller and more open than the rest.

Growth rate of the Sweetshrub plant

The growth rate of the Sweetshrub plants is about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) every year when the plants are exposed to ideal conditions of deep, loamy and moist soils. When subjected to dry soil and fuller sun intervals, the growth rate of these plants slows down.

Ornamental Qualities of the Sweetshrub plant

The bloom period usually comes between April and May. This is the period when the dark and reddish brown flowers open. The width of the leaves is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) and their shape is much like that of magnolia blossoms. The Sweetshrub plants are prolific bloomers.

These flowers have a fruity scent that is close to that of pineapples, melon or strawberry. The scent varies from one plant to another with some having little fragrance. To get the best fragrance, you need to buy the Sweetshrub plant while in bloom.

Flowers tend to last long on the shrub and they make good cut flowers too. When dried, they can be added to potpourri.
The leaves of Sweetshrub plant are relatively large measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) in widths. They are usually arranged in opposite ends along the stem of the tree.