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.
- SKU:
- 1231020809-pc
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations