Lindera
( lin - DEER - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus, commonly called Spicebush, Spicewood, or Benjamin Bush, includes deciduous shrubs and small trees that need full sun to partial shade and regular water. They are grown for their beautiful fall foliage that smells of spice when crushed. Female plants will also sprout berries after flowering if a male plant is close by. They are great for woodland gardens or for filling large areas in a shrub border, and are considered somewhat drought tolerant. Take care when planting these shrubs and trees in the landscape, as there are some sources that list this plant as being toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
|
Lindera Species and Varietals
The genus Lindera includes between 80 and 100 distinct species, and is a member of the plant family Lauraceae. The genus name commemorates Swedish doctor Johan Linder. Spicebush growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, consult the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Lindera benzoin (Spicebush, Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, Benjamin Bush) This species is native to eastern North America, where it prefers to grow in rich, moist understory environments. It reaches between 6 and 12 feet tall at maturity, and produces yellow-green flowers. Leaves and stems are very aromatic when crushed, and smell of spice and citrus. Fall color is bright yellow. |
Lindera melissifolia (Pondberry, Southern Spicebush) These aromatic herbs are native to the southeastern United States, where they are considered to be endangered due to drainage of wetland areas for agriculture and forestry activities. Individual plants reach up to 6.6 feet tall and have few branches. Leaves are green, and flowers are |
Caring for and pruning Lindera shrubs
Plant Lindera in partial to full shade conditions. These plants need very good drainage and soil that is amended with plenty of organic material to thrive. Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it is a good time to water. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help soil moisture retention. These plants don't normally require much in the way of feeding, especially if soil is amended yearly with organic material. However, if you find that your plant is struggling, it may benefit from an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in springtime to help provide nutrients for healthy growth. These plants have a beautiful habit unpruned, and therefore don't need much in the way of pruning. In late winter or early springtime, prune to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant.
Propagation
Lindera can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Lindera by Cutting
Propagating Lindera by Seed
Propagating Lindera by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Lindera by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your fruits. The seeds are contained within the fruits; pick them as soon as they are red, and squeeze the seed out of the fruiting body. Plant the seeds immediately following the instructions below.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes until the following spring. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Problems and Pests
Lindera shrubs are considered pest and disease-resistant.
Gallery
Videos
All about Spicebush.
|
Why should you consider growing Spicebush in your garden?
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 416, Lindera
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!