FREE: Carolina Alspice (Lindera Benzoin) 10 seeds

Cultivation details
Requires a lime-free rather moist soil[200] with a pH in the range 4.5 - 6[238]. Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight in a fertile moisture-retentive soil enriched with leafmould[200]. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade[184]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[184]. The leaves, bark and berries are very aromatic[182, 213]. Plants can be pruned right back to the base if required, though any drastic pruning is best spread over several seasons[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. The fruit has a high fat content and is much eaten by migratory birds to supply their high energy demands when migrating[274]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[188, 238].

Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out[200]. ***** out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame[200]. Cuttings of mature side-shoots, 10 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. They may root by spring. Fair to good percentage[78]. Layering.