Taiwan spicebush is an evergreen shrub native to Taiwan's mountain thickets, prized for its glossy foliage and showy seasonal display. Growing 8 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 6 feet, this hardy species thrives in zones 8-9 and produces delicate yellow-green flowers in spring followed by striking red fruits that persist into winter. Low-maintenance and trouble-free, it brings year-round interest to temperate gardens with minimal fussing.
Partial Sun
Moderate
8-9
120in H x 72in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The combination of glossy, deep green elliptic leaves and the dramatic shift from yellow-green spring flowers to glossy red fruits makes this shrub a four-season performer. Dark brown bark adds winter texture when deciduous shrubs fade, while the evergreen habit ensures the plant remains present and sculptural through the coldest months. Its natural thicket-forming tendency in the wild hints at its ability to create living screens and hedgerows with grace.
Taiwan spicebush is best used as a specimen shrub or hedging plant, where its evergreen foliage and showy fruit display create visual interest throughout the year. Its moderate mature size and dense, naturally spreading habit make it suitable for creating living boundaries and screening within temperate gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant container-grown Taiwan spicebush in spring or early fall, spacing plants 4 to 6 feet apart if creating a hedge or screen. Ensure soil is consistently moist during establishment, particularly the first growing season.
Light pruning can be done after flowering in late spring to maintain shape and encourage denser branching. Since the plant naturally forms an attractive form, pruning should be minimal; remove only dead or crossing branches, and avoid heavy cutting that would remove developing fruit.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Taiwan spicebush hails from the mountainous thickets of Taiwan, where it has grown wild for centuries as part of the island's diverse laurel family flora. The genus Lindera itself honors Johann Linder, a 17th-century Swedish botanist and physician whose work on plant classification laid groundwork for later botanical study. The species name akoensis references its native habitat, connecting gardeners directly to Taiwan's ecological heritage each time they name it.”