Florida Anise

About this plant

Illicium X 'Woodland Ruby', commonly known as Florida Anise, is a truly special evergreen shrub that brings a splash of warm color to any garden. Its most captivating feature is the brilliant ruby-red new growth that emerges in spring, creating a dynamic contrast with the mature, glossy deep green leaves. As the foliage matures, it retains a beautiful, rich hue, ensuring a vibrant display throughout the year. Beyond its stunning aesthetics, 'Woodland Ruby' offers a delightful aroma. Its leaves release a spicy, anise-like fragrance when crushed, adding an extra sensory dimension to your outdoor space. This versatile shrub maintains a handsome, dense habit, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, screens, or as a specimen plant. Hardy and relatively low-maintenance, Florida Anise is a fantastic selection for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive evergreen with unique characteristics. Its compact form and vibrant color make it a standout choice for both formal and informal garden designs, providing lasting beauty and fragrance.

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

Requires minimal pruning to maintain shape; prune after flowering if necessary. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones.

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.