Chinese Sweetshrub Calycanthus chinensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sinocalycanthus chinensis
- Sinocalycanthus sinensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- kal-ee-KAN-thus chi-NEN-sis
- Description
-
Native to Southeast China, 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 with full sun. These conditions can lead to a longer flowering season.
Somewhat similar to Camellias, the 2-3" showy flowers appear in springtime with sepals and petals that are so similar that they are all referred to as tepals. The outer tepals are white with a hint of pink. The light yellow inner tepals have a waxy appearance. The flowers are pollinated by small beetles.
It has glossy green leaves that are rough to the touch and large creamy white flowers in the mid-summer.
In its natural habitat, it grows in shade where protection from strong wind is provided. These conditions as well as moist soil should be met when used in the landscape. It has become a rare species in the wild, its survival will not be guaranteed without intervention.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect, disease or other problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Hartlage Wine'
Red-maroon flowers.
- 'Hartlage Wine'
- 'Hartlage Wine'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Hartlage Wine'
Red-maroon flowers.
- 'Hartlage Wine'
- 'Hartlage Wine'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Calycanthus
- Species:
- chinensis
- Family:
- Calycanthaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Used in the landscape as a shrub or small tree.
- 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:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrance
- Shade
- Textural
- 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
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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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:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are top-shaped with achenes. They have long silky hairs. They overwinter on the shrub.
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-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- 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
- Rough
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 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 Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Older stems have gray to gray-brown bark.
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-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Insect Pests
