Calycanthus floridus

Calycanthus floridus is a native shrub occurring throughout the southeast. It is naturally found along rivers and in dry-moist forests, but is also widely cultivated throughout the region. It can grow in full sun to full shade. It does best in soils that are average, rich, and well-drained, but can tolerate being occasionally dry or wet. Calycanthus floridus has deep reddish-purple flowers that bloom in the spring and produce a lovely pervasive smell (hence the common name Sweet shrub). This fragrance is appealing to many pollinating insects as well as us humans. This plant works well in restoration projects or planted in a yard. It is somewhat deer resistant.