Carolina Allspice, sometimes also called Sweetshrub, is an adaptable shrub that forms colonies through its suckering habit. While typical Carolina Allspice flowers are a burgundy red and variably fragrant, 'Athens' has unique large greenish yellow flowers and is reliably fragrant. Its scent, often referred to as melon-like, wafts delectably through the garden in spring. The showy flowers, up to 2” across, bloom in May and June and attract pollinators and is a host plant for a number of moth species. The foliage of Carolina Allspice is fragrant if crushed and is resistant to browse by deer and rabbits. The leaves turn a lovely vibrant yellow in fall. This exciting selection was introduced by Dr. Michael Dirr in Athens, Georgia, originally named ‘Katherine' after his daughter.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; prefers medium, well-drained soils; widely adaptable
Size: 5'-6’ tall, 5'-6’ wide
Zone: 4 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract various pollinators with beetles playing an essential role in pollination; host plant for several moth species, including Double-banded Zale, Oblique-banded Leafroller, and Saddleback Caterpillar Moth; dense structure provides protected nesting sites for bird; deer resistant
Photo: Samantha Nestory