How to Grow Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Spicebush is a low-maintenance native shrub that thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates full shade to full sun but performs best as an understory plant. Prune in late winter to shape. Dioecious; plant male and female together for red berries. Host plant for the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. Fragrant foliage and brilliant yellow fall colour.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Partial shade to full shade
Thrives in partial shade as a woodland understory shrub. Tolerates full shade but becomes more open and leggy. Full sun is acceptable if soil stays consistently moist.
Watering
Medium; keep soil moist
Prefers consistently moist soil. Drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular moisture. Water more frequently if planted in full sun.
Fertilizing
Light feeding in spring
Apply a balanced fertiliser for deciduous shrubs in early spring and optionally again in midsummer. Generally undemanding; compost mulch often suffices.
Pruning
Late winter; minimal needed
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth. Remove dead or crossing branches and shape as desired. Tolerates hard renovation pruning if needed.
