Calycanthus chinensis (Chinese Sweetshrub)
Calycanthus chinensis (Chinese Sweetshrub) is a large, upright-rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub boasting white, sometimes tinged pink, nodding flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), from mid-late spring to early summer.
Calycanthus chinensis (Chinese Sweetshrub) is a large, upright-rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub boasting white, sometimes tinged pink, nodding flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), from mid-late spring to early summer. Resembling camellia blossoms, each cup-shaped flower features white overlapping outer tepals, smaller pale yellow inner tepals with maroon markings and a ring of yellow stamens. Blooming for about a month at the ends of short branchlets, the flowers have no fragrance unlike Calycanthus occidentalis (Carolina allspice). The lush and lustrous foliage of large, broadly elliptical, medium green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), turns a soft yellow in fall.
- Grows up to 5-10 ft. tall and wide (150-300 cm).
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
- Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, foundation plantings, woodlands.
- No serious insect or disease problems.
- No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
- Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or root softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer with bottom heat.
- Native to China.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Calycanthus – Sweetshrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early)Fall |
Height | 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m) |
Spread | 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 96″ – 120″ (240cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |