Lindera Benzoin shrubs naturally grow in wetlands where soil conditions are moist yet well-draining. When planting your shrub, make sure you do so in an area of your garden with moist and well-draining soil conditions. However, it is important not to overwater your shrubs because you could waterlog their roots and damage them. This is typically called root rot disease and can kill your plants if not caught early. Spicebush shrubs do not have a preference to soil acidity and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions well.