Also known as Anise Tree · 66 saves
Illicium
Illicium, the genus most gardeners know as anise tree. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Illicium varieties
2 species of Illicium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Illicium in Sow
Save the Illicium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Illicium
Whats common across all Illicium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Illicium year
- PruneJune100% of varieties
Lightly shape in late winter. Prune for size control after flowering.
- MulchApril86% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October43% of varieties
Plant container stock in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
- FertilizeMarch43% of varieties
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Do
- Mulch over the shallow roots 🍂
- 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
Avoid
- Use it as a spice — it is poisonous ❌
- 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
What goes wrong with Illicium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to insect pests, disease and deer |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce 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.
Stem cuttings
- Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Root under humidity in free-draining acid compost.
- Grow on a full season before planting out.
Illicium questions
How many types of Illicium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Illicium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 66 real gardeners — 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, 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.