Southeastern North American native deciduous shrub with broad green leaves and unusual fragrant maroon-brown strap-petalled flowers in late spring. Flower fragrance ranges from fruity to spicy depending on the seedling.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 4–9 | −34.4 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H6 | −20 °C to −15 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 5–8 | −23 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Plant where the unusual flower fragrance can be enjoyed close at hand — described variously as ripe strawberry, melon, or apple, with seedling variation
- Bruised leaves and bark are pleasantly spice-scented, hence the name "allspice"
- Tolerates dappled shade better than most flowering shrubs
- Cultivar ‘Aphrodite’ is widely available with notably large fragrant red-mauve flowers
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Carolina allspice (Sweetshrub) against your zones