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.
In your Leaftide garden 
- Height
- 300 cm
- Spread
- 300 cm
- Flowers
- March - May
- Light
- Part to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Feed
- Light feeding in spring
- Prune
- Late winter
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.