Calycanthus chinensis
Chinese sweetshrub
A medium-sized, densely branching, deciduous shrub, to 3m high and 4m wide, with large opposite leaves, broadly elliptical to obovate, to 15cm long, glossy green turning bright yellow in autumn. Nodding flowers, to 7cm across, are borne on the ends of shoots, in summer. They have white, overlapping petals in a shallow cup shape round a second ring of smaller, narrower, pale yellow petals, maroon at the base, which protrude to form a tight crown round yellow anthers
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Calycanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Calycanthus are deciduous shrubs with simple, aromatic leaves and solitary, fragrant flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or with some midday shade and shelter from cold, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or root softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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