Plants in genus illicium
Illicium parviflorum
Illicium parviflorum is a compact shrub native to the southeastern United States, reaching up to 10 feet tall. It is the most resilient and cold-tolerant species among the Illicium genus, featuring glossy dark green leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers. This low-maintenance plant attracts pollinators and thrives in well-draining soil.
Illicium parviflorum 'Bananappeal'
Illicium parviflorum 'Bananappeal' is an evergreen shrub known for its fragrant leaves with a licorice-like scent. This compact plant grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, thriving in partial sun to full shade. It is deer resistant and does not produce root sprouts, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens. 'Bananappeal' prefers moist, rich soil with good drainage and benefits from annual mulching and spring fertilization.
Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine'
Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine' is an evergreen shrub with anise-scented foliage. It grows to an average height of 4-5 feet and features dense, chartreuse gold leaves that brighten to yellow in the fall. The upper stems turn a brilliant red in winter, adding seasonal interest. This shrub thrives in full to part shade and requires moist, rich soil. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-9 and attracts a variety of small native pollinators.
Illicium 'Miss Scarlett'
This plant produces crimson blooms and grows 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It is disease and deer-resistant and hardy in USDA zones 7-10. The plant prefers part sun to part shade and moist, well-draining garden soil, with new foliage that matures to dark green.
Illicium parviflorum 'Ocala'
Illicium parviflorum 'Ocala' is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with fragrant foliage and a natural conical shape. It grows up to 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide, featuring elliptical leaves with an anise scent and olive green flowers in spring.
Illicium parviflorum 'Florence'
Illicium parviflorum 'Florence' is a Florida native small-flowered anise with speckled, evergreen foliage that emits an anise scent. This plant grows up to 3 feet tall and produces small chartreuse flowers in late June. It thrives in average to slightly moist soils and can tolerate sun to part sun conditions. Its unique foliage and fragrance make it an attractive addition to gardens, particularly those focused on native or fragrant plants.
Illicium floridanum 'Southern Star'
Illicium floridanum 'Southern Star' is an evergreen plant with unique reddish flowers and scented variegated foliage that smells like licorice. It thrives in shade and requires no pruning, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens.