Oriental spicebush

Oriental spicebush prefers moist, well-drained soil and medium to bright indirect light. Water whenever the soil begins to feel dry, typically every 7-14 days in the summer months and every 10-14 days in the winter months. Water the plant deeply until the soil is evenly moist, then discard any excess water. Be sure not to overwater as the roots of the Oriental spicebush do not like to sit in soggy soil. Fertilize every 1-2 months in the summer months using a standard, balanced houseplant fertilizer. Reduce or discontinue fertilizing in winter.

Oriental spicebush (Lindera angustifolia) is an attractive deciduous shrub that grows best in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained, acidic soils and needs moist soil to maintain its health. The plant flourishes in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9 and requires between 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant grows best when the sunlight falls in the morning hours from 8am to noon. The shrub should be placed in an area away from trees or buildings that could provide shade during the afternoon or evening. During particularly hot summer days, it is best to provide additional shade during the afternoon to help the plant avoid sunburn damage.

Oriental spicebush (Lindera angustifolia) should be pruned in late winter/early spring when the shrub is still dormant. Pruning for this shrub should be light to moderate, removing only 1/3 of the branches each year. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, as well as any suckers at the base of the shrub. Prune out crossing branches in the interior of the shrub to open up the canopy to allow better air circulation. Prune out any overcrowded or weak branches to increase air flow. Finally, trim branches to keep the shrub the desired size.