May 8, 2025
A deciduous shrub, native to eastern United States, Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus), showing off its dark red blooms right now. This, a young flower.
And this a more mature flower. The fragrant blooms will last for nearly a month. The leaves and stems are also scented if rubbed or scratched. The aroma will vary from shrub to shrub.
The Carolina Allspice is host plant for Double-banded Zale Moth, Oblique-banded Leafroller Moth, and the Saddleback Caterpillar Moth. Pollinators that are attracted to the flowers are Sap Beetles, Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds.
Pure pleasure to have them around.
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2 responses to “Deep Red Blooms”
Hi Bren.
This was a favorite of mine when I first had it in the garden, loved the blooms. But as a
native, it seemed to like my conditions and went a bit berserk and took over. It would have been wonderful by my woods, not so in the garden. Live and learn. 🙂
Hi Nancy, great to hear from you! Too bad that your Carolina Allspice bush has taken over. I’ve read that they send out suckers, which I assume has caused your problem. Up here it can spread out as much as it wants. There’s lots of space.
Hope you’re enjoying today’s beautiful weather.
So very glad you read my posts!
Bren