The riddle of sweet Betsy
By L.A. Jackson
When the small, deep maroon to rust-red flowers of the sweet Betsy bush (Calycanthus floridus) open in the spring, some gardeners swear they have one of the most pleasing garden fragrances on the planet, while other backyard growers swear at their bushes for having absolutely no scent.
What gives?
It seems sweet Betsy can be a fickle lady. Also known as sweet shrub, Carolina allspice, strawberry shrub, spicebush and sweet bubby bush, this native ornamental, which grows 6 to 9 feet high, produces masses of blossoms that, depending on the plant, can range in fragrance from very obvious to none at all.
So, how can you get your hands on a sweet Betsy that is guaranteed to waft wonderful perfume into your garden? Just walk close to one in full bloom and sniff. A scented sweet Betsy is hard to miss.
If the bush you find is in a friend's yard, suckers readily sprout in the soil from the main plant, so, with permission, you can dig up one of the plantlets, which, in time, will produce the same sweet flowers. Although it is better to transplant suckers in the fall or winter, they can be moved in the spring if ground moisture needs are met during their first summer in the garden.
The straight species of sweet Betsy is the main culprit that produces wild swings in fragrance strength, but cultivars have been developed to be more dependable when it comes to sweet aromas. Three such selections are 'Edith Wilder', 'Michael Lindsey' and 'Athens' (which actually has yellowish-green flowers). However, since there is still some variation in scent intensity and particular smell, which can range from strawberries, bananas, pineapples to even bubblegum, visit local nurseries this spring when these bushes are in bloom and let your nose choose the right sweet Betsy for you.
And while its fragrant flowers are what draws most gardeners to sweet Betsy, also keep in mind that, come autumn, this lady exits the growing season in a coat of gorgeous yellow leaves.
Garden To Do's
- If this year's cool spring delayed the start of your warm-season veggie patch, don't worry, May is still a prime time to plant snap beans, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins, corn and cantaloupes.
- And if you held off until now planting hot peppers, sweet peppers, eggplant, southern peas, lima beans and okra, you are one smart gardener because these heat-seeking vegetables are especially sensitive to being grown in cool soil.
- Remember where you planted your taros, hostas, hardy begonias, Japanese anemones or butterfly weed? Don't be so quick to write them off as dead and find replacements — these shy beauties usually sprout late in the spring.
- Climbing roses don't live up to their name — they need to be trained and tied onto supports. To prevent damage, tie them loosely.
- If azaleas are looking a little raggedy, wait until after they have finished blooming to trim them into proper shape.
- Tender summer bulbs such as caladiums, dahlias, cannas and gladioli can now be planted.
- Whether for the lawn or the garden, when you water, water deeply. Long, thorough waterings encourage roots to penetrate deep into the soil, making plants less susceptible to suffering during periods of hot, dry weather.
- Have an old mail box in the garage? Give it a fresh, bright coat of paint and nail it to a post in the garden to store string, plant tags, twist-ties, hand tools and other small backyard-growing essentials.
- The water garden is beginning to get into the swing of spring. For the best flower shows from lily and lotus plants, fertilize them about every three weeks. Marginal plants such as rose mallow, cardinal flower, spike rush, dwarf papyrus, colocasia and sweet flag will also benefit from a light addition of nutrients every five to six weeks.
-
Other fragrant plants for your garden
-
Share this story:
Comments (37)
Debbie wilson |
November 09, 2017 |
reply
Jessie Ward |
June 17, 2019 |
reply
If you have a friend who has a sweet Betsy bush, look under it for small sprouts in the dirt that spring off the main plant's root system. I would wait until fall to to any digging and transplanting, however. If you can't wait, Niche Gardens (nichegardens.com) in Chapel Hills sells it online.
Happy Trails,
L.A. Jackson
L.A. Jackson |
June 17, 2019 |
reply
Barbara Plemmons |
April 15, 2020 |
reply
Barbara Plemmons |
April 07, 2020 |
reply
I would love to give you a cutting or whatever it takes. I am not sure what to do to get it to you, I am in Wilson.
Ed Stines |
April 08, 2020 |
reply
Would it be possible for me to get a cutting? I’ve been looking for this plant for a while. Thanks for any help
Penny Rivera |
May 01, 2020 |
reply
Patricia |
April 26, 2020 |
reply
Edward |
May 24, 2021 |
reply
Lorie |
May 30, 2021 |
reply
Sam Radford |
May 27, 2022 |
reply
Sandy Akins |
September 18, 2022 |
reply
Elizabeth Pointer |
June 13, 2020 |
reply
Frank Bunn |
June 30, 2020 |
reply
Larry S. PARKS |
April 12, 2021 |
reply
NANCY GRIMES |
April 24, 2021 |
reply
Lois Barrett |
May 30, 2021 |
reply
Joanne Hardy |
May 12, 2022 |
reply
Karen |
May 15, 2022 |
reply
Sandy Akins |
September 18, 2022 |
reply
If so, thanks in advance. Peggie
PEGGIE TISCH-ROLLINS |
April 13, 2021 |
reply
Jean Keenan |
April 30, 2021 |
reply
Linda Johnson Ahlgrim |
June 03, 2021 |
reply
A. Caldwell |
September 23, 2021 |
reply
Linda Johnson Ahlgrim |
September 23, 2021 |
reply
Leslie Jirouschek |
December 30, 2021 |
reply
Angela Hyson |
February 06, 2022 |
reply
Cindy |
April 19, 2023 |
reply
Lois Barrett |
February 07, 2022 |
reply
Cindy |
April 19, 2023 |
reply
Kim Stewart |
April 03, 2022 |
reply
Donna Hunter |
May 13, 2022 |
reply
Cindy |
April 19, 2023 |
reply
Lois Barrett |
June 07, 2022 |
reply
Debbie Dickerson |
June 09, 2022 |
reply
Susan Smith |
June 16, 2022 |
reply
Cindy |
April 19, 2023 |
reply