Plants ordered today will begin shipping in June of 2024
Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin) bush in 4-inch-deep pot, organic
$16.00
Family: Laurel (Lauraceae)
Hardy to Zones 4 to 9
(Spicebush) Perennial deciduous, dioecious bush to 12 feet. Native to Appalachia and a most elegant member of the very pretty plant family known as the Lauraceae. Spice bush prefers shade to sun and moist, rich soil. In fact, and this story is a bit of an indulgence on my part, the plant was considered by the early settlers to be an indicator of rich soil, and many homesteads were located due to the proximity of these bushes. The plant bears glossy green leaves and waxy, spicy-smelling red berries. Traditional use (TWM): cold remedy. Plant prefers rich, moist to mesic soil in the part shade. Prefers rich soils, moisture. Plant 6 feet apart.
Potted shrub in a 4 inch deep pot, Certified Organically Grown
Question
Linda –
Is this the bay leaf plant traditionally used in Cajun/creole dishes?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
hi linda, how nice to get this question right now. i just put on a Creole gumbo, using our own clemson’s spineless okra, and i was trying to figure out the missing ingredient. thanks! but unfortunately i don’t have any bay leaf in my pantry, and spice bush isn’t it. I might put some in though, as a substitute. richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
mosheepfome (verified owner) –
i am very pleased with the 3 pack of spice bushes I purchased. The bushes arrived in perfect condition as they were packaged very well. I have them in pots and they are growing quickly! I’m grateful to be able to count on receiving quality products … Thank you!!!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Question
Brenna Lacki –
How heat tolerant is this plant? Would it be able to handle hot Phoenix summers?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hi Brenna,
This plant is tolerant of moist heat in the shade. The kind of heat experienced in Phoenix would be too much for it.
Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Sara –
Do they need a pollinator, or will they set berries with only one bush?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hello Sara, these are dioecious plants (male and female flowers on separate bushes). Bare minimum, one male and one female for fruit. fruits on female only. richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
mosheepfome (verified owner) –
I would like to know, roughly, how many years until these bushes bloom? And, what size plants did I just buy? Thank you!!! I’m never disappointed when I receive my orders! TY!!!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hello Mo,
They reach sexual maturity in about 6 years, and you already are getting a 2-year-old at least so that leaves 4 years. As far as I know what we’re selling right now is an outdoor hardy plant that should ship well and satisfy.
Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Linda –
Are you selling female spice bushes or can you not tell until the fall? I am planting for the berries. Thank you
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
Hi Linda,
Right, well, if you want the berries you need both a male and a female plant. Our spice bush are pretty nice but still unsexed–nobody will know about that until they reach maturity. I recommend planting 3. Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
MartaS –
Can you send two plants, one male and one female if requested?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
Hell Marta,
I’m sorry, I know of no way to sex them until they flower which takes years.
Richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Sonya –
For the spice bush to produce, do I need both a male and a female so they can cross pollinate?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
Yes, they need male and female plants to make berries and seeds
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Question
Xochi Kao –
How large/old is the plant that comes with this purchase?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal