Carolina-allspice

Year-round

Carolina allspice is a tough deciduous shrub that grows 6 to 12 feet tall and wide and does well in Atlanta's climate.

• Give it full sun to part shade, with some afternoon shade in hot summers.
• It likes average to rich, well-drained soil and handles many soil types.
• It spreads by suckers, so pull unwanted shoots or let it form a clump.
• Space plants at least 6 feet apart.

Its tidy rounded shape and spring flowers suit a foundation or side-yard planting.

Fall

Fall brings soft golden-yellow leaves and is a good planting window in Atlanta.

• Plant in fall so roots grow while the soil is still warm.
• Water new plants weekly until the ground cools.
• Skip heavy pruning now, since it can trim off next spring's flower buds.

Winter

Winter needs almost no care, since this shrub is hardy well beyond Atlanta's cold.

• It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, so no winter protection is needed in Atlanta.
• Leave pruning until after spring flowering.
• Refresh the mulch layer to keep roots evenly moist.

Spring

Spring is bloom time, with maroon flowers opening before the leaves fully fill in.

• Flowers open in early spring and some may keep appearing into July.
• Prune right after flowering, not later, to keep the shape without losing blooms.
• Spring is a good time to plant, so roots settle before Atlanta's summer heat.

Summer

Summer in Atlanta is hot, so water young plants and give older ones a little afternoon shade.

• Water new plants deeply during dry spells. Established shrubs struggle in long droughts.
• Sandy soil dries fast, so add mulch to hold moisture.
• Pull unwanted suckers now to keep the clump the size you want.