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Enjoy the unique scent of the root beer plant, which its foliage gives off, resembling the aroma of root beer soda.

A native of Central and South America, the Root beer plant thrives as a large perennial or shrub in Hardiness Zones 8-11. It’s a quick-growing plant that adds an unmatched texture to your part-shade garden, thanks to its light green, matte textured foliage. Safrole, a natural chemical also known to exist in the sassafras tree, is the cause of the leaves’ refreshing fragrance. The plant contributes further interest with its gracefully arching white flower spikes. Refer to the following information to successfully cultivate the root beer plant in your garden.

In their native surroundings, the root beer plants can reach a height of up to 20 feet. However, in a garden setting, they usually grow between 2 to 10 feet tall, depending on the yearly climate conditions. Hence, make sure this plant has sufficient space to attain its full size. Position the root beer plant in a place where the striking, heart-shaped leaves with a matte-green surface can brighten up a partly shaded location. The thin, white flower spikes, although normally regarded as a secondary feature, nonetheless add an appreciable appeal. Planting the root beer plant near a garden path allows you to unintentionally or purposefully brush past its leaves, triggering the release of the sassafras fragrance that gives this plant its popular name “root beer plant.”

Root beer plant is invasive in Florida and Hawaii, so check local restrictions before planting. Also, note that this plant contains safrole, which is known to be carcinogenic in animals. It was banned for human consumption by the FDA in the 1960s. All plant parts may be dangerous if eaten by humans and animals.

Root beer plant can be installed in the garden at any time throughout the growing season in climates that don’t freeze in winter. In regions with a seasonal frost or freeze, root beer plant should be installed in spring to allow the plant time to store enough energy to survive winter dormancy and reemerge the next year.

Dig a hole no deeper than the existing root ball and loosen the soil immediately around the planting hole to facilitate root growth. Set the plant in the hole, water generously, and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to help prevent the plant from drying out. Check the soil daily and water as needed until new roots develop. Once the plant has grown new roots, water as needed to maintain soil moisture.

Grow root beer plant in a warm, partially shaded area that receives adequate moisture. It is root hardy to 10°F and evergreen in regions that don’t receive a frost. It can grow quite large, spreading by suckering rhizomes, and can be grown in a large pot or constricted by a raised bed to limit its spread.

This plant grows best in dappled light and part shade but can tolerate full sun with enough moisture. Root beer plants located in full shade may not grow as vigorously and will appear leggy and thin compared to plants receiving more light. The ideal location will receive morning sunlight and afternoon protection from the most intense sun.

Root beer plant is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America and prefers rich soil and regular moisture. Don’t allow the soil to completely dry out, but likewise, avoid standing water. The large leaves will droop if the soil becomes too dry, a sign that you should water the plant immediately. Root beer plant is not drought-tolerant and should be grown in a location with easy access to water.

Root beer plant is considered a die-back perennial in Hardiness Zones 8 and 9. Frost will kill it back to the roots for winter, but it will quickly regrow as the temperatures warm in late spring. In warmer, frost-free climates, expect root beer plant to grow as an evergreen shrub, possibly becoming a small tree. Root beer plant prefers average to high humidity and may struggle in regions with dry air.

Fertilize root beer plant with a layer of compost in both spring and fall to help support the vigorous growth. Simply topdress the area around the plant with compost and lightly work it into the soil, or top it with a light layer of mulch to help prevent it from being washed away by rain.

Root beer plant requires little pruning. Remove damaged and unsightly leaves and stems to maintain a tidy appearance, and remove stems to ground level if the plant grows too tall for the site. The leaves of this plant can be damaged and torn by high winds but stems cut to the ground quickly regrow from the base to fill in bare spots.

Root beer plant can be grown in large pots to help constrain the excessive growth, as well as to prolong the growing season in regions where seasonal frosts will kill the plant back to the ground. Simply move the plant to a warm, sunny location indoors when the cool weather arrives and water as usual. Plants that outgrow the pot can be divided and replanted in spring in larger containers.

Deer and insects generally avoid this plant. There is evidence to suggest that the licorice scent of the safrole present in the leaves act as an insect repellent.

Root beer plant is easily propagated by separating rhizomes and taking cuttings. Exposed rhizomes will sucker and grow new shoots. Simply root prune a piece of the parent plant with a sharp shovel and transplant it to a new location directly in the ground or into a nursery pot.

Alternatively, take a leaf cutting, complete with a piece of the main stem, and place it into damp potting soil deep enough to support the weight of the leaf. Place the cutting in a warm location in indirect sunlight and water it daily. It should produce roots in 1-2 weeks.

The fruits of the black pepper vine (Piper nigrum) each contain a single pepper seed. Different preparations yield different products, including green, white, and black pepper. Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices around the world. It is a slow-growing plant that can be grown as a tropical houseplant.

The tiny dried fruits within the catkins of long pepper (Piper longum) are reminiscent of the taste of black pepper. This spice is a common element in the cuisine of India, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where it’s often marketed under the name pippali.

Denny Schrock

The upright, variegated strappiness of shell ginger offers a distinct, colorful companion to the root beer plant. The lustrous quality of the leaves provides a stark contrast to the matte foliage that seems to billow directly from the ground.

The sizable leaves of the root beer plant seem small in comparison to the grand scale of the elephant’s ear plant’s foliage. This vibrant display of varying shades of green creates a stimulating monochromatic focal point in a partially shaded garden.

Bob Stefko

The wide selection of caladiums, arriving in various patterns of greens, whites, and reds, provides ample opportunities for dramatic or subtle pairings in the garden.

Is root beer plant actually used to make root beer?

No, the flavor in root beer soda does not come from the root beer plant. The name of the plant only refers to the similarity of its fragrance to the drink.

Is root beer plant edible?

The root beer plant contains safrole, a known carcinogen in animals. Safrole is also found in the sassafras tree and Japanese star anise. Despite its use in some cultures for cooking, it’s safer and advisable to just enjoy the plant’s unique scent, rather than tasting it.

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