Family
Calycanthaceae
Botanical Name
CALYCANTHUS floridus 'Michael Lindsey'
Plant Common Name
Michael Lindsey Sweetshrub, Sweetshrub
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Fragrant with scents of fruit and spice, the unusual flowers, and a dense, rounded shape of the Michael Lindsey Carolina allspice make this shrub perhaps the finest selections. A rounded, well-branched deciduous shrub, it is native to the extreme southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida.
Its leaves are ovals with a gracefully and elegantly pointed tip, and shiny dark green with a lighter gray-green underside. As the leaves begin to emerge in spring, the flowers appear on short stems. They open a rich, deep maroon and look like a stumpy octopus. Wonderfully fragrant, they release a scent like a a warm, sweet fruit salad. Pollinated flowers become pear-shaped brown capsules that are also fragrant if broken. In autumn, the leaves of 'Michael Lindsey' consistently turn an attractive golden yellow.
Plant Carolina allspice in any humusy well-drained soil and partial sun or partial shade. It tolerates deeper shade and drier soils, but will not grow as robustly or flower as heavily as a gardener would hope. Exceptionally good in form with a compact, dense, rounded habit, 'Michael Lindsey' must be included in a mixed shrub border or foundation planting, and should be located near a patio or walkway so the floral fragrance can be noted. Any pruning should be done immediately after flowers fade.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
-
Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
-
Plant Type
Shrub
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
-
Width
6'-9' / 1.8m - 2.7m
-
Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
-
Native To
United States, Southeastern United States
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Soil type
Clay, Loam
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Oval/Rounded
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Smooth
-
Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
