Woodland Ruby Anise

Illicium × ‘Woodland Ruby’

Woodland Ruby Anise is a distinctive evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic green foliage and large, starfish-like flowers in vivid ruby-pink to reddish-pink. This hybrid of Illicium floridanum ‘Alba’ and Illicium mexicanum has an extended flowering period, with blooms appearing from spring into fall.

With an upright, rounded habit, Woodland Ruby is especially well suited to shady gardens and woodland settings. It prefers organically rich, consistently moist soil and can reach about 8 feet tall and wide. The foliage has a pleasant anise-like fragrance when crushed, and the plant is notably resistant to deer browsing.

• Common Names: Woodland Ruby Anise, Florida Anise Tree, Anise
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10
• Sunlight: Part shade to full shade; tolerates more sun with adequate moisture
• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil
• Growth Rate: Medium
• Mature Size: 8 ft tall × 8 ft wide
• Bloom Time: Spring through fall
• Bloom Color: Ruby-pink to reddish-pink
• Foliage Type: Evergreen
• Foliage Color: Glossy green
• Maintenance: Low; prune as needed to control size
• Soil Preference: Rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soil
• Landscape Uses: Shade gardens, woodland gardens, hedges, borders, specimen planting, containers
• Deer Resistance: High
• Special Features: Fragrant foliage, long bloom period, pollinator friendly