California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis)
California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a shrub that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis).
This plant is commonly known as California allspice.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: California allspice
Scientific name: Calycanthus occidentalis
Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis) – Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
Other types of Calycanthus to consider:
See all Calycanthus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Calycanthus occidentalis likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing California allspice (Calycanthus occidentalis) – peganum, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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