Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

1 other cultivar

‘Woodland Ruby’Woodland Ruby Anise Tree

shrub

Scorpio Anise Tree

Illicium x hybrida 'Scorpio'

The Story

Plant Bio

Illicium species are broadleaf evergreen shrubs native to moist woodlands of eastern Asia and southeastern North America, known for their aromatic foliage and multi-tepaled flowers. Members of the anise-tree family produce foliage that releases a distinct licorice scent when crushed and thrive in sheltered soils with reliable moisture.

'Scorpio' is a compact dwarf hybrid growing three to four feet tall with a naturally dense, mounding habit and glossy dark green leaves. It produces star-shaped burgundy-red flowers from spring into summer, with sporadic reblooming continuing into fall in warm climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round dense evergreen structure and scarlet star-like blossoms over an extended season.

Naturally repels deer and rabbits due to aromatic compounds in the foliage.

Offers cover for small birds and nectar for local pollinating insects.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

60"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial shrub

Native To

North America (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial shade to full shade with rich, acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth.
Backfill with soil enriched with organic compost, pressing firmly to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base.
Maintain consistent soil moisture during the first growing season until established.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing 'Scorpio' into geometric shapes, as heavy pruning destroys the flower buds formed on previous wood and ruins its natural mounding habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in shade or filtered sunlight to protect foliage from sunscald.
Do keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer periods.
Do apply acidic organic mulch to retain root moisture and suppress weeds.

Don't

Don't shear aggressively into old bare wood.
Don't allow the plant to sit in waterlogged, poorly drained clay soils.
Don't plant in dry, unsheltered sites exposed to harsh afternoon sun.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation plantingShade garden accentLow informal hedgeWoodland garden border

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Heuchera Camellia Hydrangea macrophylla

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scorpio Anise Tree questions

What zones can Scorpio Anise Tree grow in?

Scorpio Anise Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scorpio Anise Tree deer resistant?

Yes — Scorpio Anise Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Scorpio Anise Tree bloom?

Scorpio Anise Tree typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scorpio Anise Tree need full sun?

Scorpio Anise Tree does best in part shade.

Is Scorpio Anise Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scorpio Anise Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.