spice bush

Spice bush (Lindera benzoin) should be watered regularly and evenly. Water your spice bush deeply and slowly so that the soil is evenly moist, approximately once a week during the growing season (spring through summer) and every 10 - 14 days during the winter months. Make sure the soil is draining well, as the plant does not tolerate standing water. If needed, add organic material (such as peat, compost, or bark) to help improve drainage.

Spice bush (Lindera benzoin) grows best in full sun to partial shade. Direct sunlight should be provided for at least 6 hours a day. In addition, the plant should be placed in an area that receives no more than 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day and should not be exposed to the afternoon sun. This will keep the plant’s leaves from getting too hot and drying out. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, shade the plant with either a light cloth or get creative and use a large tomato cage to create a canopy of shade. If you want maximum flowering and active foliage, more sunlight is better. Typically, a few hours of morning sun is best. However, in most climate zones, afternoon sun of limited duration is not going to be a problem.

Spice bush (Lindera benzoin) should be pruned in early spring, before it begins to flower. Pruning should be minimal, and primarily focused on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Remove crossed or rubbing branches, as well as any that are growing too close together. Any stem heading toward the center of the plant, rather than outwards, should be removed. Doing this will promote air circulation and light penetration, which will help the plant thrive. Pruning should take place before the plant begins to bloom, when it is easier to see which branches need to be removed. Overall, the goal of pruning is to keep spice bush healthy and promote its growth.