Carolina allspice (Calycanthus raulstonii 'Hartlage Wine')
Calycanthus raulstonii 'Hartlage Wine', or Carolina allspice, offers showy, fragrant maroon blooms on a large, manageable deciduous shrub ideal for zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’, commonly known as Carolina allspice, is a striking deciduous shrub prized for its relatively large, showy, maroon flowers that appear reliably in spring. This hybrid cultivar offers excellent structure, typically forming an upright-rounded specimen reaching 8 to 10 feet high and wide, making it a substantial addition to the landscape. Its glossy, emerald green foliage transitions to buttery yellow in the autumn, providing multi-season interest.
This large sweetshrub thrives in a wide range of conditions, offering gardeners a low-maintenance specimen with excellent tolerance for poorer soils. While it performs well in full sun, providing it with afternoon shade and consistent moisture helps prevent scorching, especially in hotter climates. The resulting plant provides an impressive focal point or a substantial backdrop in mixed borders.
The unique appeal of Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ lies in its robust nature and stunning spring display, often requiring little intervention once established. Gardeners looking for reliable structure and color from a deer-tolerant plant will find Carolina allspice an excellent choice for woodland or specimen plantings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Calycanthaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-10 ft
- Spread: 8-10 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Maroon
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ in average, medium-moisture soil amended with organic matter if possible, although it shows tolerance for clay and sandy conditions. While it prefers well-drained loams, ensure soils are kept consistently moist if planting in full sun exposure, as it truly thrives in partial shade. Plant during the dormant season—spring or fall—to allow the root system to establish before summer heat or winter cold arrives.
Maintenance for this Carolina allspice is generally low. Water regularly during the first few growing seasons to encourage deep rooting. Pruning is best done immediately after the spring bloom concludes; this helps maintain a desirable compact shape and encourages dense growth. Gardeners aiming for a more naturalized look can allow it to form thickets, but promptly remove any unwanted root suckers to control spread.
For those in cooler portions of its range, such as the upper limits of Zone 6, provide the plant with root mulch and protection from harsh winter winds during its first few years. While the distinctive flowers are present, note that the blooms on this Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ clone are reportedly sterile, so don’t expect viable seed production.
Landscape Uses
The versatile structure and low maintenance requirements make Carolina allspice suitable for numerous landscape roles. It excels when used to naturalize areas where its suckering habit can be appreciated, or planted as a specimen around home foundations where its size can be substantial. It works beautifully in shrub borders, adding mass and spring color amongst later-blooming selections.
This shrub is equally at home in native plant areas or settings requiring dappled shade, such as woodland gardens. Where a high hedge or screen is needed, plant several Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ specimens in a row, allowing them to mingle for an informal, textured boundary. Its deer tolerance adds significant value for gardeners struggling with browsing wildlife.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Calycanthus × raulstonii, commonly known as Raulston’s allspice or sweetshrub, is a large, upright-rounded, thicket-forming, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub which typically grows to 8-10’ tall and as wide. This species is the result of a cross between C. Chinensis and C. Floridus. It features mildly fragrant maroon flowers in spring (sometimes continuing through summer to early fall) on plants clad with opposite, leathery, irregularly toothed, glossy, ovate to elliptic, emerald green leaves (to 7” long) which turn buttery yellow in fall. The clone ‘Hartlage Wine’ is noted for its stunning maroon fading to wine-red flowers which bloom primarily in April-May, and its foliage turns buttery yellow in fall.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
This specific cultivar of Carolina allspice generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, contributing significantly to its low maintenance status. Regular monitoring for pests is still recommended, especially when planted under stress (like deep, consistently dry shade). Should suckers become undesirable, prompt removal at the root collar is the management strategy, rather than relying on harsh chemical controls—a key consideration for gardeners focused on naturalized plantings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ suitable for?
This deciduous shrub is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9, making it versatile for many gardeners.
How large does Carolina allspice grow?
When mature, Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ typically reaches a height and spread between 8 and 10 feet.
When does Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ bloom?
It produces its maroon flowers primarily from April through May, providing excellent early-season color.
What sun exposure does Carolina allspice need?
For best results, plant this shrub where it receives full sun to part shade, ensuring soil moisture is adequate, especially in hotter, sunnier locations.
Conclusion
The Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ offers a winning combination of structural size, attractive maroon blooms, and remarkable resilience against common challenges like deer browsing and poor soil. As a cornerstone Carolina allspice cultivar, it brings reliable seasonal interest to nearly any landscape setting. Check your local USDA zone compatibility today and plan to install this superb shrub during the cool planting seasons for long-term success.
Companion Planting
When placing Calycanthus raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ in a mixed border, select companions that share similar moisture and light needs, leaning toward partial shade if possible. Consider pairing it with plants that provide contrast to its dark bloom color and large leaves. Astilbes or Hosta varieties with chartreuse or variegated foliage look exceptional near the glossy green leaves of the sweetshrub. For spring woodland settings, delicate spring ephemerals that fade before the shrub reaches full summer density offer a nice transition.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring care is crucial for this plant; prune immediately after the late spring bloom finishes to shape the shrub and maximize next year’s density. During summer, the main focus is maintaining consistent moisture, especially if planted in full sun exposure, as this is when the plant performs best. In the fall, its buttery yellow leaf color offers a final show before dormancy, requiring no special cleanup beyond raking fallen leaves. Winters are generally routine, though be mindful of providing root protection in Zone 5 locations during periods of severe cold or high winds.
