Calycanthus Aphrodite (Sweetshrub)
Valued for the sweet, fruity fragrance of its flowers, Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ (Sweetshrub) is a compact, dense, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub boasting large, fragrant, deep red flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm). Resembling magnolia blossoms, they are produced in abundance at the ends of short branchlets in late spring – early summer
Valued for the sweet, fruity fragrance of its flowers, Calycanthus 'Aphrodite' (Sweetshrub) is a compact, dense, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub boasting large, fragrant, deep red flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm). Resembling magnolia blossoms, they are produced in abundance at the ends of short branchlets in late spring – early summer. The lustrous foliage of dark green oval leaves turns an attractive golden-yellow in fall. All plant parts are fragrant – including leaves, seed pods, and bark which exude a spicy scent when crushed.
- Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 5-6 ft. wide (150-180 cm).
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds.
- Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, foundation plantings, and woodlands. Plant it where you will be able to enjoy its perfume daily: near a doorway, along a path, near your patio or deck. Flowers are long-lasting on the shrub and also make good cut flowers. They can also be dried and added to potpourri.
- No serious insect or disease problems. Deer resistant!
- No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Calycanthus – Sweetshrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early)Fall |
Height | 5' – 8' (150cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 72″ – 84″ (180cm – 210cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |