Fragrant Sweet Shrub Tropical Like Shade Shrub
Sweet Shrub
I am always on the look out for new and interesting tropical like plants that will work in my zone 7 area and I recently found the Sweet Shrub which I think qualifies for both interesting and tropical like. This shrub features highly aromatic flowers and foliage. The flowers are a dark red to burgundy color that measure around 2″ in diameter, somewhat exotic and bloom in mid to late spring. Though it does not grow all that tall, 4′-6′ at best, it can grow rather wide at 6′-8′ so it does require some space. The shrub appreciates some shade and will do best in full to partial shade. The plant is not particularly demanding as long as relatively fertile soil is provided and it is watered regularly during drought periods.
Sweet Shrub Bush
There is much to like about the Sweet Shrub, like the fact that it grows fairly fast so you can start appreciating it sooner rather than later and the fact that it is deer resistant since some parts of the plant are considered poisonous if ingested. I think overall this will make an excellent shade shrub provided you have the space. Be sure you can place it in area where you can appreciate the aroma of the both the leaves and flowers. If you have any small children, make sure they do not ingest any part of this plant. It may be hard to find the Sweet Shrub at your local home center but it is available online. Direct Gardening has some 1′-2′ bare root shrubs that should reach 4′-5′ within a couple of years.