Calycanthus chinensis (Chinese Sweetshrub)


Michael's Opinion

A wonderful shrub for the woodland garden but rarely seen in nurseries and garden centres. Its stunning blooms are worth the effort in sourcing this plant.

Botanical Information

FamilyCalycanthaceae
GenusCalycanthus
Specieschinensis
SynonymsSinocalycanthus chinensis
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
Referenceshttp://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200008492
OriginNative to Eastern China, it underwent a name change in 2001 from Sinocalycanthus to Calycanthus.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6-8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6-H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°F)-6
Height3 m
Spread2 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSow seeds in autumn in a cold frame. Root cuttings can be done in the spring, although this is very difficult.
CultivationThis shrub flowers best in sun within a sheltered area. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils.
PestsVery infrequent, extremely resistant shrub.
Notable SpecimensRHS Garden Rosemoor, North Devon, England.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBrown/grey.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBrown, hairy, superposed, small, concealed by the petiole.
Leaf DescriptionDark green in summer turning a golden yellow colour in autumn. Opposite, ovate to obovate, accuminate and rounded about 12 cm long.
Flower DescriptionVery showy flowers, 8 cm across, white with pink flushed outer tepels.
Fruit DescriptionIndehiscent fruit, a brown leathery achene, somewhat capsule-like when it matures.
Colour DescriptionLuscious dark green leaves with white tinged pink flowers.
Texture DescriptionRough, somewhat waxy with small hairs.

Photographs