
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus var. purpureus ‘Burgundy Spice’) stands out for its remarkable foliage: deep purple leaves that hold their color through the heat of summer. Adding to its charm are the red-maroon blooms, appearing in late spring with a delightful spicy, fruity fragrance, reminiscent of pineapple and mango. The shrub typically grows to around 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, forming a lush backdrop in sunny or partly shaded gardens. Once autumn arrives, the leaves shift to warm shades of orange and yellow, ensuring multi-season appeal.
Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub is native to the southeastern United States, thriving in well-drained, humus-rich soils and dappled sunlight. It is both deer resistant and drought tolerant (once established), making it particularly low-maintenance. The attractive foliage keeps this sweetshrub looking good even after the spring flowering period. Use it as a standalone focal point, assemble several in a border, or plant a hedge line for added privacy. Containers are another option, giving both fragrant and visual pleasure up close on patios or decks.
Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub Care
Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub prefers moist, rich soil that drains efficiently, so consider amending the planting site with compost if the soil is compacted or sandy. The plant takes partial to full sun, though partial shade helps protect its leaves in hotter zones. Water thoroughly and consistently during its first growing season to help roots settle; later, switch to a moderate schedule that maintains even moisture without overwatering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can support growth, but this sweetshrub isn’t demanding if the soil is reasonably fertile.
For pruning, wait until after flowering finishes in late spring or early summer. Deadheading isn’t necessary, yet light pinching or thinning can keep the shrub’s shape tidy. If you wish to rejuvenate older growth, more substantial trimming can be done at this time. Winter care is minimal—Burgundy Spice handles cold weather in zones 6 through 9 and seldom experiences serious damage.
Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub Spacing
For a hedge effect, place Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub about 5 feet apart, allowing the branches to form a continuous mass of richly colored leaves and aromatic blooms. If you prefer individual shrubs for accenting, keep around 6-7 feet between them for an open layout. Should you want to grow it in a container, pick one several inches wider than the rootball to provide ample room for root expansion and ensure stable moisture levels.
Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 5 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 5 - 8 Feet |
Spacing: 4 - 6 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: Reddish Brown - Maroon |
Bloom Period: Late Spring to Early Summer |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: deep burgundy to green |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest |
Watering: Moderate, Consistent |
Resists: Deer, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Erosion Control, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Sensory Gardens, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America, Award Winner, Continuous Blooming or Rebloomer |
Brand: |
Common Name: Burgundy Spice Sweetshrub |
Other Name(s): Bubby Bush,Carolina Allspice |
Scientific Name: Calycanthus floridus `Burgundy Spice` |
- SKU:
- 1231020809-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.