Chinese Sweetshrub Calycanthus chinensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sinocalycanthus chinensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- kal-ee-KAN-thus chi-NEN-sis
- Description
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Chinese sweetshrub grows best in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Do not allow the soil to dry out, as this plant does not tolerate drought. In areas where the winter temperatures can fluctuate, it should be planted in a protected location.
It has glossy green leaves and large creamy white flowers in the mid-summer.
It has become a rare species in the wild, its survival will not be guaranteed without intervention.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Calycanthus
- Species:
- chinensis
- Family:
- Calycanthaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern China
- Wildlife Value:
- Small beetles pollinate the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are top-shaped. They overwinter on the shrub.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The creamy pinkish-blue to white outer portion of the petals. Yellow inner portion with maroon markings. Yellow stamens. Blooms resemble camellias.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The 6" leaves are a glossy dark green. They have a bit of roughness on the upper surface.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Dark Gray
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Patio
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
