did you know?

The fragrance of Carolina allspice's flowers are redolent of melons, pineapple, and strawberry, inspiring its other common name, strawberry shrub.

general maintenance:

Remove dead or diseased branches. Prune lightly in early spring.

pests/diseases:

Leaf spot and powdery mildew may occur.

controls:

Control leaf spot by removing all fallen leaves that could overwinter the disease, and avoid heavy pruning and overfertilization. To control powdery mildew, avoid wetting foliage when watering and increase air circulation by thinning stems. Remove and destroy severely infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly shady site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for shrub to reach its mature size. In early spring, dig a hole twice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot, or if balled, level with top of root ball. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before backfilling. Natural-fiber burlap may be peeled back and left in ground once plant is set in hole. Fill hole around plant with soil. Mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of hole to act as a catchbasin. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture for the first season. Be sure soil is moist before ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once shrub is established, usually by the third year, water only during drought.

garden hint:

Buy Carolina allspice plants when they are in flower to ensure the blooms have a pleasing fragrance. Some seed-grown specimens are unpredictable and can smell like vinegar.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deciduous
• Fall Foliage
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Edging
• Flowerbed borders

other uses: