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