Anise Shrub 'Halley's Comet'

About this plant

Illicium floridanum 'Halley's Comet', also known as Florida Anise, is a captivating evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy, olive-green foliage that releases a delightful anise scent when bruised. Unlike other Anise varieties, 'Halley's Comet' boasts striking, deep red, star-shaped flowers that emerge in spring and continue sporadically through summer, adding a unique touch to the garden. This exceptional cultivar offers a refined texture and provides excellent privacy screening or an elegant backdrop for other plantings. Its aromatic qualities also make it a wonderful choice for planting near patios or entryways, where its fragrance can be appreciated. Hardy and relatively low-maintenance, 'Halley's Comet' is an ideal selection for gardeners seeking an impactful, long-lasting evergreen that offers both visual appeal and a pleasant sensory experience.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers a sheltered location with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Tolerates a range of soil types if well-drained. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to maintain shape or remove dead/damaged branches after flowering.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.