Also known as Anise Tree · 45 gardener saves
Illicium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Illicium, the genus most gardeners know as anise tree. We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Illicium varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most saved'Florida Sunshine' Anise Tree
Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine'
#2 most savedBananappeal Anise Tree
Illicium parviflorum 'First Editions Bananappeal'
#3 most savedPink Frost Florida Anise Tree
Illicium floridanum 'Pink Frost'
Miss Scarlett Illicium
Illicium floridanum 'Miss Scarlett'
Woodland Ruby Anise Tree
Illicium 'Woodland Ruby'
How to grow Illicium
What the Illicium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Illicium year
- PruneJune100% of varieties
Lightly shape in late winter. Prune for size control after flowering.
- MulchApril and November80% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October60% of varieties
Plant container stock in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
- FertilizeMarch60% of varieties
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
- Plant in a shady, moist location.
Avoid
- Do not ingest any part of the plant.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to harsh, full sun which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from heavy pruning during late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Illicium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Distorted, sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs |
| Scale | Small bumps on stems, sticky residue on leaves. Rare on this plant. | Scrape off small infestations. Apply horticultural oil in the dormant season. |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, often with sticky honeydew. | Scrub off with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Use a systemic insecticide for heavy infestations. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline in poorly drained soils. | Ensure good drainage at planting time. Avoid overwatering. There is no cure once established. |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering |
Making more Illicium
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take cuttings in summer from partially matured wood.
- Dip in rooting hormone and place in a moist, sterile medium.
- Cover to maintain high humidity.
- Roots can take several months to form.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
Illicium questions
How many types of Illicium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Illicium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 45 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Illicium grow in?
Across its varieties, Illicium covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Illicium bloom?
Most Illicium varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Illicium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Illicium shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Illicium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
