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Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' (Calycanthus 'Burgundy spice') — reference photo

Shrubs · Other Families

Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice'

Calycanthus 'Burgundy spice'

In USDA zones 7b–8a around Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' is a shrub used in Triangle yards when mature size, sun, and drainage fit the bed. Piedmont clay rewards a wide planting hole, a slightly high crown, and steady first-season water. Give it the open sky it wants; west-facing walls in July still cook tender foliage. Seasonal flowers are usually why it earns a street-facing spot. Fall planting is the usual window here; water through the first summer no matter the calendar.

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Key facts for the Triangle

Botanical name
Calycanthus 'Burgundy spice'
Common name
Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice'
Plant type
Shrubs
Group
Other Families
Hardiness here
USDA 7b–8a (Raleigh–Durham Triangle)
Light
Part sun / part shade
Water
Even moisture; do not let the root ball dry out
Soil
Well-drained
Leaf habit
See overview
Best planting window
Fall (October–November) in the Piedmont; spring after frost as backup

Overview

Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' is a shrubs selected for landscape use where its mature habit, ornamental traits, and site preferences fit the planting area.

At a glance

Sun

  • Full sun
  • Part sun / part shade

Water & soil

  • Prefers moist soil

Wildlife

  • Bee-friendly

Flowers & fragrance

  • Showy flowers
  • Fragrant

Foliage & season

  • Red / burgundy foliage

Common questions

Is Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' a good plant for Raleigh and the Triangle?

Yes—when the site matches its light and drainage needs. Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' is used in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary landscapes in USDA zones 7b–8a. Confirm mature width, overhead wires, and how wet the Piedmont clay stays after storms before you plant.

When should I plant Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' in North Carolina?

Fall (October–November) is the safest window for Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' in the Piedmont: soil is still warm, air is cooler, and roots can grow before summer. Spring after the last frost works if you can water deeply through the first hot season.

Will Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' grow in Piedmont clay?

It can, with careful planting: wide hole, crown slightly above grade, and no water sitting on the root flare. Heavy, poorly drained clay is the usual failure mode—not summer heat alone.

How much sun does Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' need?

It performs best in full sun—about 6 or more hours of direct light. Afternoon shade can help in reflected-heat courtyards, but too little sun usually means weaker flowering or open growth.

Does Sweetshrub 'Burgundy Spice' attract pollinators?

Yes. The flowers are a useful nectar source for bees and butterflies during bloom. Pair it with a water source and skip broad-spectrum insecticides at flowering if pollinators are the goal.