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Inconsistent Spicebush Info

21 years ago

I recently picked up a few spicebushes (linden benzoin)and am wondering the best spot to place them. The research I've done about them is not particularly exact. Some sites say they bushes get from 6-10 feet with 5 foot spread, others say 8-12 feet tall with similar spread. Also, any comments on how fast they grow? I was thinking of putting two of them in a fairly sunny corner at somewhat of a right angle to each other.

What is your experience, growing conditions, etc?

Thanks

Shari aka Arborbluffgirl

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Comments (6)

jillmcm
21 years ago
Mine grow everywhere, in almost any condition. Those in moist sunny spots really thrive, and have grown the tallest, topping out around 12-15' and a similar spread from a small group of trunks/stems. Others have gotten to 8-10' in drier, shadier conditions. They grow incredibly fast - one here reached 8' and 4' wide within 3 years, and was most of that size in 2.
Elaine_NJ6
21 years ago
Moist, and acid soil. Mine do well only in wet years because they're not in a wet spot. Sun or shade isn't particularly important, but moisture and acidity is.
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bhrost
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Mine are about 7 to 8 feet tall, but the spread is much more - almost twice the height - if I didn't have to prune them it would probably be more. A lot of the ones I've seen in a natural setting seem to be at the edge of a woods with partial sun, and usually in a situation with ample moisture.
jillmcm
21 years ago
I do have plenty of spicebushes growing in typical garden soil as well as acidic conditions, so at least for me, the acidity hasn't been super important. Also, moist is good, but again, typical garden moisture and the spicebushes still do fine. They're tough and adaptable for me.
ArborBluffGirl
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for the info. I want to minimize the grass I mow and naturalize a corner of my property and thought two of these plants would fill the corner in well. Now I am wondering if two of these bushes at right angles to each other might be too much. I want them to fill in to each other and close off an unattractive corner somewhat. Do they spread out fairly equally in two directions or do they expand in all directions?

Thanks
Shari
jillmcm
21 years ago
Um...depends on the plant :) Some of mine are very symmetrical, others are sprawling all over the place. I would say that in general, spicebush are not a "groomed" looking plant - they look wild. Great for backgrounds in a cultivated area, maybe not a focus plant. I would assume that you could prune them to thicken them and direct their growth, though, not that I've ever bothered with mine.

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cold stratification?

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