Description
Spicebush (lindera benzoin) starter shrub.This native shrub grows in moist woods in eastern north America, but is an excellent shrub for medium to moist sites in part sun or light shade. Can get up to 15ft. Unique yellow flowers in early spring but female needs male to produce their red berries. Strong scented spice like scent, hence its name. Host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies (papilio troilus). Also a favorite host of the promethea moth.
All of our plants are grown in biodegradable fabric pots. The containers are around 4″x4 1/2″ May be planted in the pot or removed . Generally, I like to take them off and compost them, but if you leave them on, I like to rip the sides or score them with a knife for easier root penetration.
Tips for growing:
As our plants are intended for pollinator gardens, they have not been treated with anything. Native plants don’t need any fertilizer, but if you want to lightly use an organic fertilizer, it won’t hurt.
The best place for our plants is in the ground. Do not grow in black plastic nursery pots “till they get bigger” Black plastic pots do not provide good aeration, get very hot, and will cause root circling and poor growth. Although being small, native plants often grow extensive root systems, often more than the visible foliage. When planted in the ground they will have the best chance to work on their roots.
When it comes to native perennials, roots are the most important part. While foliage can be an indicator of good growth, you want to give these plants the best chance for root growth. Don’t worry about flowering, it will come. Encourage roots!
We take care in packing our plants for shipping, but plants ocassionally get bent, broken stems in transit. This can appear disappointing, but they have good roots and will quickly recover.
