Sweetshrub

Name: Sweetshrub
Brand: Home & Garden Fulfillment Network
SKU: 692-1010196
Price: 103.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)

Calycanthus floridus

$103⁹⁹ ~~$129⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™

Plant Size

#2 Container
$78.95 #3 Container
$103.99

Product variants

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.

This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

Click Here to learn more

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From	To	S&H
$0	$19.99	$24.99
$20	$49.99	$29.99
$50	$69.99	$34.99
$70	$99.99	$39.99
$100	$129.99	$44.99
$130	$149.99	$48.99
$150	$150+	Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Buying Options for Plants

Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.

Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!

Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.

Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.

Nature Hills Container Size by Volume

Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.

Young Plants to 18 Months
Size	Volume
2"x2"x3"	Ranges from	.18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume
4.5" Container	Equal to	.65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume
Sprinter Pot	Equal to	.63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume
4" Container	Ranges from	.31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume
6" Container	Equal to	1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume
1 Quart	Equal to	1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume
5.5" Container	Equal to	1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x5"	Ranges from	.8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x6"	Ranges from	1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x9"	Ranges from	1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume
4"x4"x10"	Ranges from	1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume

Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old
Size	Volume
2 Quart	Equal to	2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume
#1 Container	Ranges from	2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume
5"x5"x12"	Equal to	3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume

Plants 2 - 4 Years Old
Size	Volume
#2 Container	Ranges from	1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume
#3 Container	Ranges from	2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume

Plants 3 - 5 Years Old
Size	Volume
#5 Container	Ranges from	2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume
#6 Container	Ranges from	5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume
#7 Container	Ranges from	5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume

Plant Highlights

Sweetshrub highlights at a glance!

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Calycanthus floridus
Growing Zones

4-9
Mature Height

6 - 8 feet
Mature Spread

8 - 10 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Moderate
Soil

Widely Adaptable
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color

Aromatic
Fall Color

Yellow
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Pruning Time

After Flowering
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring, Summer

Growing Zones 4-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

The lovely and unexpected native Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) is a dense, rounded woody deciduous shrub with highly unusual saturated reddish-maroon blossoms and an aromatic fragrance that's unlike anything you've smelled before! Another common name is Carolina Allspice because you find them widely growing in those states. They are also known as the Hairy Allspice, which is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. It is also called the Strawberry Bush because of the fragrant blooms carrying a scent best described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana! If you haven't picked up on the spice theme - they're aromatic top to bottom!

Featuring very fragrant, 2" reddish-burgundy to pinkish-maroon flowers that bloom in May and cover the shrub in vibrant color! Pollinators adore these blooms as much as you will! These flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped seed capsules that mature in fall and are eaten by many bird species. Lustrous, dark green 6" long leaves have pale green undersides for a lovely two-tone effect in the breeze and are highly aromatic when rubbed or brushed against in the garden!

You'll love how they turn golden yellow in fall and highlight the seedpods! These heat-tolerant ornamental shrubs are hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 through 9 and can reach 6-8 feet in height and 8-10 feet in width. These are a boon to wildlife in many ways! Known to attract Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Wrens, Sparrows, Thrushes, Orioles, Finches, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, Vireos, and even Hummingbirds! Not to mention a wide variety of pollinators!

Planting and Application:

Use as a specimen near the front door or an allée around your seating areas. Highlight the corner of your patio or other outdoor living areas so that the fragrant flower and leaf aroma can best be enjoyed. It is utilized in the mixed-shrub border, and is equally lovely included in a native row along the foundations of your home!

Suckering freely when allowed, Sweetshrubs form dense thickets and naturalize out-of-the-way areas and native planting displays. These groves provide privacy for you and cover, shade, roosting and nesting for birds and wildlife! Create your own woodland oasis or lush wildlife habitat in your own backyard! Sweetshrub blooms are lovely cut flowers, and the blooms, leaves, twigs and bark are often dried to use in potpourri! The dried bark is a substitute for cinnamon!

Unique Reddish-Burgundy to Pinkish-Maroon Flowers in May
Deep Green Foliage & Golden Fall Color
Fragrant & Aromatic! Cut Flower & Potpourri
Naturalizes By Suckers, Shelterbelts, Hedge, Groves & Privacy
Native Food & Shelter Resource For Birds, Wildlife & Pollinators

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Sweetshrubs are easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full to part sun. It grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soils but prefers rich loam. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired. These natives are very pest free and easy to grow! They're also deer resistant and perfect to include in a fire-scaping landscape plan.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moist to Average Rich Soil
Prune After Flowering
Firescaping & Low-Maintenance Native Plantings
Deer-Resistant, Pest & Disease Free

You and your backyard birds will adore the vibrant, unusual blossoms of this tough and hardy native shrub! Order your own fragrant Sweetshrub from NatureHills.com today so that everything living in your world can benefit from biodiverse native plantings and phenomenal out-of-this-world ornamental beauty!

Sweetbush

This is a wonderful plant. They smell great. We always called them Bubby Bushes.

Hi Kim,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with the Sweetshrub! We couldn't agree more—those enchanting scents truly make this plant a delightful addition to any garden. We love the charming nickname 'Bubby Bushes' that you use; it’s heartwarming to know how special these plants are in your space.

If you’re looking to enhance their fragrance even more, planting them near windows or walkways can let that lovely aroma brighten your daily moments. Also, regular mulch and well-drained soil can really help your Sweetshrub thrive through the seasons.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need advice on caring for your Bubby Bushes— we’re here to help!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Smells Devine

This plant was given to me by a dear OLD friend of mine. She called it Sweet Olive,but now I know the real name.. The smell when blooming is absolutely devine,everyone who smells it cant figure out what it really smells like.. The suckers can be a problem but at least you have plenty to share with friends.. When trimed it makes a very nice attraction to any garden, I wouldnt want to loose mine for sure... Thanks, and happy planting....

Hi Resee,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Sweetshrub! We love hearing how these special plants connect us to treasured memories—your story about receiving it from a dear old friend truly warms our hearts. You're absolutely right: the unique fragrance of Sweetshrub is hard to describe but always a delightful surprise to those who catch a hint of its bloom.

It's great that you’ve found a positive way to look at the suckers—while they can certainly multiply, they do offer a lovely opportunity to share the beauty with friends and expand your garden. One tip for managing their growth is to regularly prune the suckers close to the base to keep them in check while encouraging a fuller, healthy shrub.

If you ever want more care tips or advice on companion plants to complement your Sweetshrub’s allure, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re thrilled your garden has a sweet attraction like yours!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Old-fashioned Favorite

I remember my Grandmother calling this a "Spice Bush". I remember it fondly from my childhood. I used to crawl up under the bush and just stay there for a long while breathing in the spicy-sweet aroma of this beautiful shrub. First you get the lovely green long oval leaves, then the spicy-fruity flowers, next the seed pods appear, and lastly, in winter, the bare branches still attract your attention, the seed pods against the snow-covered branches is so lovely! A must for every garden! Plant it where you can visit it often!

Hello Jo,

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful memory and thoughtful review of the Sweetshrub! We love hearing stories like yours—there‘s something truly special about a plant that ties us back to cherished family moments and invites us to connect quietly with nature. You perfectly captured the elegant progression of this shrub through the seasons, from its fragrant leaves and charming flowers to those eye-catching winter seed pods.

Planting your Sweetshrub in a favorite spot where you can spend time near it is wonderful advice, and it all sounds like a perfect recipe for many peaceful moments. For others wanting to keep the spicy aroma vibrant and encourage healthy growth, we recommend mulching around the base to retain moisture and pruning lightly right after flowering to promote the best bloom the following year. Also, Sweetshrub is generally hardy but prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, which will help your fond childhood “spice bush” thrive just as you remember.

Thanks again for bringing your treasured experience to our community. If you ever want tips on companion plants or seasonal care reminders for your Sweetshrub, just reach out—we’d be delighted to help enchant your garden even more.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Old-fashioned Favorite

Hi Jo,

Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt and vivid memory of the Sweetshrub—the 'Spice Bush' from your grandmother’s garden! It’s wonderful to hear how this plant connects you to those cherished childhood moments and how you appreciate its year-round charm. You’ve perfectly captured what makes the Sweetshrub so special—the rich aroma in spring, the seed pods that delight in winter, and of course, its evergreen enjoyment.

Your suggestion to plant it where you can visit often is spot on; it really encourages a closer bond with the natural cycles in your garden. If you ever want tips on best positioning, companion plants, or care to keep that spice aroma robust, feel free to reach out! Sweetshrubs generally love partial shade and well-drained soil to thrive. And, watching those pod clusters in winter truly is one of for beautiful seasonal displays.

Thank you again for your nostalgia-filled review; you’ve reminded us all why plants matter beyond just their looks — they carry memories and magic.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Sweeeeeeeeeet

My mother always had a sweet shrub bush right outside of our front door when I was a kid. I loved that smell when it was in bloom. I used to pick the blooms and put them under my pillow at night to smell them and have "sweet" dreams. I am now a home owner and I am thrilled at the prospect of having this sweet smelling shrub in my life again!

Dear Sweet A.,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt memories and delightful experience with Sweetshrub! It’s truly special to hear how the fragrance brings back such sweet nostalgia from your childhood. Having a familiar and fragrant plant right outside your door again must feel like a wonderful way to reconnect with those happy moments.

As you welcome your Sweetshrub into your home, keeping it in a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil will help ensure it blooms beautifully each year to fill your space with that beloved aroma. You might also enjoy gently crushing a few blooms occasionally to really enhance the scent in the evenings—just like under your pillow, but in a fresh way!

If you ever have questions or want advice on care, pruning, or pairings, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your new Sweetshrub flourish and bring extra sweetness to your home.